Background: In sarcopenic patients the skeletal muscle reduction is the primary symptom of age- or disease-related malnutrition, which is linked to postoperative morbidity and mortality. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) from magnet resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used as a prognostic factor in oncologic and surgical patients, but under-represented in the field of obesity surgery. The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), on the other hand is a commonly used method for the estimation of the body composition of bariatric patients, but still believed to be inaccurate, because of patient-related and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative SMI values as a direct, imaging measured indicator for muscle mass with the BIA results in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods: We performed a prospective single-center trial. Patients undergoing RYGB between January 2010 and December 2011 at our institution were eligible for this study. MRI and BIA measurements were obtained 1 day before surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Results: A total of 17 patients (four male, 13 female, average age of 41.9 years) were included. SMI values decreased significantly during the postoperative course (p < 0.001). Comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements at 24 weeks after surgery, increasing correlations of SMI values with body weight (r = 0.240 vs. r = 0.628), phase angle (r = 0.225 vs. r = 0.720) and body cell mass (BCM, r = 0.388 vs. r = 0.764) were observed. Conclusions: SMI decreases significantly after RYGB and is correlated to distinct parameters of body composition. These findings show the applicability of the SMI as direct imaging parameter for the measurement of the muscle mass in patients after RYGB, but also underline the important role of the BIA, as a precise tool for the estimation of patients’ body composition at low costs. BIA allows a good overview of patients’ status post bariatric surgery, including an estimation of sarcopenia.

Background: Depres sion is reported in up to 90% of cancer patients but to this date, a standardized screening tool for depression specifically modified for patients diagnosed with brain tumors is lacking. Thus, this study aims to develop an adapted screening tool and identify a suitable time slot for screening. Methods: Sixty-one patients with brain lesions were interviewed prior to neurosurgical resection. For screening purposes, established depression scores were used. A study-specific questionnaire (SSQ) was developed based on patient interviews prior to the trial. Two subgroups were analyzed: patients with benign and patients with malignant tumors (including brain metastases). As a subgroup within malignant lesions, patients with glioblastoma (GBM) were also analyzed separately. Results: Of patients, 87.5% with GBM presented with results > 16 points on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) after surgery. A decline in patients with benign brain tumors (p = 0.0058) and an increase in patients with malignant tumors (p = 0.0491) could be shown over time for CES-D scores. In this study, we established a new prototype screening tool for depression. In patients diagnosed with GBM, the number of patients needed to screen for identification of symptoms of depression was 1.59. Best time for screening was 35 days after surgery. Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence and low number needed to screen of depression in patients diagnosed with GBM, we strongly encourage their routine screening during follow-up appointments (35 days after surgery). We encourage a plan to further establish the questionnaire developed in this pilot study.

Patients receiving oncological esophagectomy or gastrectomy are known to be at high risk for vitamin and micronutrient deficiency before, during and after surgery. However, there are no clear guidelines for these cancer patients regarding postoperative vitamin supplementation. We conducted a metanalysis consisting of 10 studies regarding vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies after oncological gastric or esophageal resection. 5 databases were searched. Data was sufficient regarding Vitamins B12 and 25-OH D3 as well as calcium. We were able to show deficiencies in 25-OH Vitamin D3 levels (p < 0.001) and lower levels of Vitamin B12 and calcium (bit p < 0.001) when compared to the healthy population. Patients from these groups are at risk for vitamin deficiencies. A guideline on postoperative supplementation is needed.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often associated with obesity, impairs quality of life and can lead to complications. This study compared Fundoplication and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in patients with WHO (World Health Organization) class I and II obesity and refractory GERD. Material and Methods: A single-center, retrospective study analyzed 93 patients (55 Fundoplication, 38 RYGB) with BMI < 40 kg/m² who underwent surgery between January 2018 and September 2021. Preoperative characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative results after three months and after one year were analyzed. Quality of life was assessed using Bariatric Quality of Life (BQL) and Quality of Life in Reflux and Dispepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed using the parameters age, BMI and gender. Results: Patients who underwent RYGB had higher preoperative BMI (35.9 vs. 27.5 kg/m², p < 0.0001) and more metabolic comorbidities. Patients who underwent Fundoplication experienced longer anesthesia (192.5 vs. 112 min, p < 0.0001), operation times (134 vs. 79 min, p < 0.0001), and hospital stays (4 vs. 3 days, p = 0.0003). Complication rates in general (p = 0.0154, after three months) and dysphagia rates in particular (p = 0.0036, after three months and p = 0.0147, after one year) were higher in the Fundoplication group. Preoperatively, patients undergoing RYGB reported poorer quality of life in BQL questionnaires (p = 0.0008). PSM showed less reflux regression in the Fundoplication group after three months (p = 0.0223). Conclusion: Despite higher preoperative BMI and comorbidities, patients undergoing RYGB had shorter operative times and hospital stays. The results suggest RYGB may be preferable for patients with refractory GERD and class I and II obesity, but further research on long-term outcomes is needed.

Background: Compliance with postoperative follow-up, physical activity, and nutrition is a known problem in patients receiving metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS). This issue needs to be tackled not only through intervention studies. Patients’ personal preferences and concerns need to be the center of a successful improvement of pre-and postoperative care in MBS. Methods: A total of 323 participants from support groups all over the country were interviewed via an online survey concerning physical activity, use of media and health-related phone applications, and eating behavior. In addition, 14 open patient interviews were pursued before or after MBS regarding physical activity, eating behavior, and media use. Results: Of subjects, 64.7% preferred small training groups of 6–10 people. The most popular types of sports were aqua sports, followed by walking and bicycle sports. One-third of the participants stated not enjoying the gym at all. In the open patient interviews, the main reason for this was fear of stigmatization. Sixty-three percent of patients stated a willingness to participate in a sports program designed specifically for MBS patients. Conclusions: Overall willingness towards an increase in physical activity after MBS is present. However, stigma and pain during sports or the inability to perform certain sports seem to be the main issue keeping patients away from physical activity. We suggest clinical trials towards training protocols in small groups of 6–10 people, aqua, walking, or biking sports, and specialized training protocols for MBS patients.

Background: Bariatric surgeries, specifically laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), are a common intervention for morbid obesity, significantly affecting food tolerance and quality of eating. Understanding these changes is crucial for improving postoperative care and long-term success. Methods: This observational study at University Hospital Mannheim involved 91 patients, aged between 18 and 65 year, who underwent SG or RYGB between 2009 and 2019. Food tolerance was assessed between 25 days and 117 months after surgery using the validated score by Suter et al. (Food Tolerance Score, FTS) and an additional score evaluating tolerance to specific food groups and quality of life. Data on body composition were collected through Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) at follow-up visits. Statistical analyses included linear mixed models to analyze the association of food tolerance with body composition changes. Results: The FTS indicated moderate or poor food tolerance in 62.6% of patients, with no significant differences between SG and RYGB. Considering the results of the additional score, food groups such as red meat, wheat products, raw vegetables, carbon dioxide, fatty foods, convenience food, and sweets were the most poorly tolerated food groups. A total of 57 of the participants had a baseline and follow-up BIA measurement. Postoperatively, a significant reduction in body weight and BMI as well as in BIA parameters (fat mass, lean mass, body cell mass, and phase angle) was found. Quality of life improved after bariatric surgery and 76.9% rated their nutritional status as good or excellent, despite possible food intolerances. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery significantly reduces weight and alters food tolerance. Despite moderate or poor food tolerance, patients reported high satisfaction with their nutritional status and quality of life. Detailed food tolerance assessments and personalized dietary follow-ups are essential for the early detection and management of postoperative malnutrition, ensuring sustained weight loss and improved health outcomes.