Menu
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterized by reduced exocrine secretion, leading to decreased food digestion, and digestive tract surgeries can be a cause. Postoperative “de novo” EPI is defined as the onset of digestive symptoms following surgeries, which show significant improvement after the initiation of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). The diagnosis of postoperative EPI may be delayed due to mild or nonspecific symptoms, both in pancreatic surgeries and in upper abdominal surgeries.
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the diagnosis and treatment of “de novo” EPI related to digestive surgeries, in collaboration with the development of a consensus among the main surgical societies in Brazil.
The steering committee developed 10 questions related to two areas of interest: diagnosis and treatment. A systematic review was conducted for each of the domains. The evidence was assessed for quality using the GRADEpro tool. Recommendations were formulated for each of the questions. The final report was reviewed by representatives of the surgical societies for the consolidation and approval of the recommendations through a modified Delphi system.
“De novo” EPI should be considered in case of the onset of postoperative digestive symptoms. Diagnostic methods vary in complexity of execution, with varying sensitivity and specificity in the postoperative condition. Fecal Elastase-1 (FE-1) has limited value in diagnosing EPI in the postoperative setting. PERT can be initiated based on clinical suspicion, and there is no difference in approach regarding the type of surgery performed. PERT should be started at the appropriate dose for the intensity of symptoms and adjusted up or down according to symptom control. Proper treatment of EPI leads to symptom improvement and an increase in quality of life. PERT should be maintained as long as patients have a favorable clinical response.
The recommendations encompass the diagnosis and treatment of “de novo” EPI and can serve as a basis for the establishment of educational programs led by the participating surgical societies.
Obesity is recognized as a significant risk factor for various types of cancer. Although the incidence of some types of cancer across various primary sites is decreasing due to specific prevention measures (screening programs, smoking cessation), the incidence of neoplasms in the young population shows a significant increase associated with obesity. There is sufficient evidence to say that bariatric surgery has been shown to significantly lower the risk of developing obesity-associated cancers, which are linked to metabolic dysregulation, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and hormonal alterations such as elevated levels of insulin and sex hormones.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the world and was recently renamed to emphasize its metabolic component.
This article seeks to fill the gap in specific guidelines for patients with obesity and MASLD who will undergo bariatric surgery.
A systematic search for guidelines was carried out on PubMed and Embase platforms.
A total of 544 articles were found, of which 11 were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All 11 guidelines are from clinical societies; therefore, they do not include some necessary interpretations for bariatric patients.
We recommend that every patient undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery be screened initially with the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, followed by transient hepatic elastography (vibration-controlled transient elastography, VCTE), especially for those with FIB-4>1.3. However, interpreting VCTE results in obese patients requires further studies to define the actual cutoff values. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis® shows promise but its availability is limited. The indication for liver biopsy during surgery needs to be individualized but it is recommended for those with changes in FIB-4 and/or VCTE. Family screening is recommended for relatives of young patients with already advanced fibrosis. Liver transplantation is an option for patients with advanced MASLD but the optimal timing for bariatric surgery with transplantation is still unclear. Regular follow-up and VCTE examination are recommended to monitor disease progression after surgery.
The concept introduced by protocols of enhanced recovery after surgery modifies perioperative traditional care in digestive surgery. The integration of these modern recommendations components during the perioperative period is of great importance to ensure fewer postoperative complications, reduced length of hospital stay, and decreased surgical costs.
To emphasize the most important points of a multimodal perioperative care protocol.
Careful analysis of each recommendation of both ERAS and ACERTO protocols, justifying their inclusion in the multimodal care recommended for digestive surgery patients.
Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) such as ERAS and ACERTO protocols are a cornerstone in modern perioperative care. Nutritional therapy is fundamental in digestive surgery, and thus, both preoperative and postoperative nutrition care are key to ensuring fewer postoperative complications and reducing the length of hospital stay. The concept of prehabilitation is another key element in ERPs. The handling of crystalloid fluids in a perfect balance is vital. Fluid overload can delay the recovery of patients and increase postoperative complications. Abbreviation of preoperative fasting for two hours before anesthesia is now accepted by various guidelines of both surgical and anesthesiology societies. Combined with early postoperative refeeding, these prescriptions are not only safe but can also enhance the recovery of patients undergoing digestive procedures.
This position paper from the Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery strongly emphasizes that the implementation of ERPs in digestive surgery represents a paradigm shift in perioperative care, transcending traditional practices and embracing an intelligent approach to patient well-being.
Desenvolvido por Surya MKT