George A Fielding, M.D.

Does adding a lesser-curvature gastrogastric plication suture reduce the need for revision after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement?
Zagzag, Jonathan; Schwack, Bradley F; Youn, Heekoung; Fielding, Christine Ren; Fielding, George A; Kurian, Marina S
2012 Feb;26(2):514-517, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: The need for revision after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) surgery has been reduced over the past 10 years with the introduction of the pars flaccida technique, delicate band tightening, and concurrent hiatal hernia repairs. However, band revision still occurs for as many as 5% of patients. Placement of a lesser-curvature gastrogastric suture distal to the band is one newer technique suggested to lower band slippage. To evaluate the worth of this technique, the authors have investigated two groups of patients in their practice: one group with the plication stitch and one group without it. METHODS: This retrospective review examined data for 1,365 LAGB patients collected prospectively by an institutional review board-approved database between July 2007 and May 2010. One surgeon did not perform the plication stitch (n = 776) and one did (n = 589). The surgical techniques were very similar. The majority of the patients had crural repair at the primary operation. Band revision rates were assessed. RESULTS: For 1,365 patients, LAGB was performed safely. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. The two groups were similar. The no-stitch group consisted of 776 patients (496 women, 64%) with a mean age of 42 years, a mean weight of 278 lb, and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 44.6 kg/m(2). The stitch group consisted of 589 patients (426 woman, 72%) with a mean age of 40 years, a mean weight of 278 lb, and a mean BMI of 44.8 kg/m(2). The no-stitch group had an estimated weight loss (EWL) of 44% at 12 months and 50% EWL at 2 years. The stitch group had 37% EWL at 12 months and 45% EWL at 2 years. Both groups had very low revision rates. The no-stitch group had 4 revisions in 776 patients (0.26%), and the stitch group had 9 revisions in 589 patients (1.5%). CONCLUSION: Adding gastrogastric plication sutures offers no benefit of reducing the rate of revision after LAGB surgery
— id: 149947, year: 2012, vol: 26, page: 514, stat: Journal Article,

Intrahepatic natural killer T cell populations are increased in human hepatic steatosis
Adler, Michael; Taylor, Sarah; Okebugwu, Kamalu; Yee, Herman; Fielding, Christine; Fielding, George; Poles, Michael
2011 Apr 7;17(13):1725-1731, World journal of gastroenterology : WJG
AIM: To determine if natural killer T cell (NKT) populations are affected in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery underwent liver biopsy and blood sampling during surgery. The biopsy was assessed for steatosis and immunocyte infiltration. Intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHLs) were isolated from the remainder of the liver biopsy, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the blood. Expression of surface proteins on both IHLs and PBMCs were quantified using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects participated in this study. Subjects with moderate or severe steatosis had a higher percentage of intrahepatic CD3+/CD56+ NKT cells (38.6%) than did patients with mild steatosis (24.1%, P = 0.05) or those without steatosis (21.5%, P = 0.03). Patients with moderate to severe steatosis also had a higher percentage of NKT cells in the blood (12.3%) as compared to patients with mild steatosis (2.5% P = 0.02) and those without steatosis (5.1%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: NKT cells are significantly increased in the liver and blood of patients with moderate to severe steatosis and support the role of NKT cells in NAFLD
— id: 130915, year: 2011, vol: 17, page: 1725, stat: Journal Article,

Impact of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding on pregnancy, maternal weight, and neonatal health
Carelli, Allison M; Ren, Christine J; Youn, Heekoung Allison; Friedman, Erica B; Finger, Anne E; Lok, Benjamin H; Kurian, Marina S; Fielding, George A
2011 Oct;21(10):1552-1558, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a proven method for weight reduction. Less is known about pregnancies in patients after LAGB. METHODS: Information was gathered, through database and survey, on women who underwent LAGB at NYU Medical Center between 2001 and 2008 then became pregnant. RESULTS: Pregnancy occurred in 133 women, resulting in 112 babies, including six sets of twins. The average pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 32.7. Average weight gain was 11.5 kg, but was higher for those with pre-pregnancy BMI <30.0 compared to BMI >30.0 (16.4 vs 8.6 kg). Of singleton pregnancies, 89% were carried to full term, with cesarean section in 45%. Those with pre-pregnancy BMI <30.0 had a lower rate of cesarean section (35.71%), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.55). Average birth weight was 3,268.6 g. Eight percent of babies from singleton pregnancies were low birth weight (<2,500 g), and seven percent were high birth weight (>4,000 g). Average Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min were 8.89 and 9.17. Four percent of patients developed gestational diabetes, and 5% developed pre-eclampsia. Band adjustments were performed in 71% of patients. Weight gain was higher in those who had their bands loosened in the first trimester (p = 0.063). Three patients had intrapartum band slips; one required surgery during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: LAGB is tolerable in pregnancy with rare intrapartum band slips. Weight gain is less in those with higher pre-pregnancy BMI and those who had their bands filled or not adjusted. Babies born to these mothers are as healthy as the general population
— id: 138309, year: 2011, vol: 21, page: 1552, stat: Journal Article,

Midterm results for gastric banding as salvage procedure for patients with weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Irani, Katayun; Youn, Heekoung A; Ren-Fielding, Christine J; Fielding, George A; Kurian, Marina
2011 Mar-Apr;7(2):219-224, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Studies reporting the revisionary options for weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have been complex, underpowered, and lacking long-term data. We have previously shown that short-term (12-month) weight loss is achievable with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for failed RYGB. To report the midterm outcomes of LAGB after RYGB failure. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data before and after RYGB, when available, and before and after LAGB was performed at the New York Langone University Hospital (New York, NY). The data collected included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), gender, race, age, operative time, length of stay, postoperative complications, and the percentage of excess weight loss. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (9 men and 34 women) underwent LAGB after weight loss failure with RYGB. Of the 43 patients, 27 patients had undergone RYGB at other institutions, and preoperative RYGB data were available for 23 total patients. The average interval to LAGB was 6.6 years. The mean BMI before RYGB was 50.4 kg/m(2) and before LAGB was 43.3 kg/m(2) (%EWL was 17% after RYGB). At follow-up after LAGB, the average BMI was 35.2 kg/m(2), with a %EWL of 38% (calculated from LAGB only) at 26 months (range 6-66). At the 1- and 2-year follow-up visit, the BMI had decreased by 8.7 kg/m(2). The reoperation rate for complications related to LAGB was 10% and included 2 band erosions, 1 band slip, and 1 port flip. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that LAGB had good midterm data as a revisionary procedure for weight loss failure after RYGB
— id: 138308, year: 2011, vol: 7, page: 219, stat: Journal Article,

The effectiveness of adjustable gastric banding: a retrospective 6-year U.S. follow-up study
Weichman, Katie; Ren, Christine; Kurian, Marina; Heekoung, Allison Youn; Casciano, Roman; Stern, Lee; Fielding, George
2011 Feb;25(2):397-403, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) during a 6-year follow-up period. METHODS: A retrospective database analysis of patients who underwent LAGB at New York University Medical Center between 1 January 2000 and 29 February 2008 was conducted. Patients were included for the efficacy analysis if they were 18 years old or older at the surgery date and had one or more visits with a recorded weight after surgery. Efficacy was assessed using percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1-year intervals after surgery. Missing weight values were interpolated using a cubic spline function. Linear regression models were used to assess the characteristics that affected the last available %EWL. All patients had implantation of the LAP-BAND system. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria for the efficacy analysis were met by 2,909 patients. The majority of the patients were white (83.3%) and female (68.4%). The mean patient age was 44.6 years, and the mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 45.3 kg/m2. The %EWL 3 years after surgery was 52.9%, which was sustained thereafter. In multivariate models, increased number of office visits, younger age, female gender, and Caucasian race were significantly associated with a higher maximum %EWL. CONCLUSIONS: The LAP-BAND patients achieved a substantial and sustainable weight loss of approximately 50% at 6 years after surgery
— id: 138310, year: 2011, vol: 25, page: 397, stat: Journal Article,

Safety of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: 7-year data from a U.S. center of excellence
Carelli, Allison M; Youn, Heekoung Allison; Kurian, Marina S; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2010 Aug;24(8):1819-1823, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has become one of the most common weight-loss procedures performed in the United States. The authors' high-volume academic medical center has gathered a database of almost 3,000 patients who have undergone LAGB since January 2001. The goal of this series, the largest to date on LAGB outcomes at a single institution, was to assess complications associated with LAGB. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using longitudinal data from adult patients who underwent LAGB between 1 January 2001, and 29 February 2008. General and band-related complications were reported for all patients. Death and reoperation for weight gain (LAGB followed by either a second band insertion or a gastric bypass) also were reported. RESULTS: Of the 2,965 patients who received LAGB during the study period, 2,909 met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis, and 363 (12.2%) experienced one or more complications. The most common complications were band slip (4.5%) and port-related problems (3.3%). Other complications were rare. Only seven patients (0.2%) had band erosion. Eleven patients (0.4%) underwent reoperation for weight gain. A total of 10 deaths (0.34%) occurred during the study period. Three patients died within 30 days of surgery. Two of these deaths (0.06%) were related to surgery, and one resulted from a motor vehicle accident. Seven patients died of causes unrelated to surgery during the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The LAGB technique is a relatively safe procedure with few early or late complications. Few LAGB patients undergo reoperation for weight gain, and mortality is very rare
— id: 138189, year: 2010, vol: 24, page: 1819, stat: Journal Article,

Evaluating gastric erosion in band management: an algorithm for stratification of risk
Kurian, Marina; Sultan, Sammy; Garg, Karan; Youn, Heekoun; Fielding, George; Ren-Fielding, Christine
2010 Jul-Aug;6(4):386-389, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric banding has several known complications, including gastric erosion. No clear factors have been determined for the development of band erosion, but technical factors such as covering the buckle of the band have been implicated. The objective of the present study was to determine whether band management after surgery, band size, or filling beyond the manufacturer-determined maximal volume has an effect on the incidence of erosion at a university hospital in the United States. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a prospective institutional review board-approved database. All patients who had been followed from 2002 to 2008 were identified. The maximal band volume was 4 cm(3) for the 9.75-cm/10-cm band and 10 cm(3) for the Vanguard band. The bands were considered overfilled if they had been filled to greater than the maximal volume for >/=3 months. RESULTS: A total of 2437 patients had undergone Lap-Band surgery. Of these 2437 patients, 14 developed erosion (.57%). The primary erosion rate was .39% (9 of 2359). These patients were divided into 3 groups according to the type of band placed: group 1, Vanguard (n = 735); group 2, 9.75-cm/10-cm band (n = 1624); and group 3, revisions to Vanguard, including a band placed around a bypass (n = 78). The incidence of gastric erosion by group was .95% (7 of 735) in group 1, .12% (2 of 1624) in group 2, and 6.41% (5 of 78) in group 3. The difference in the erosion rate among the groups was significant (group 1 versus 2, P = .005; group 3 versus 1, P = .003; and group 3 versus 2, P = .001). Erosions developed in each group without overfilling. Also, comparing the erosion rate in the overfilled versus underfilled bands, statistical significance was found only for group 1 at 3.18% versus .35% (P = .006). The erosion rate in the overfilled versus underfilled was 1.01% versus .07% in group 2 and 11.11% versus 3.92% in group 3. CONCLUSION: A band that needs to be overfilled might be a sign of erosion, and patients should undergo endoscopy. Band revision has a greater rate of erosion than primary banding. The Vanguard band has a greater risk of erosion than the 4-cm(3) bands
— id: 138390, year: 2010, vol: 6, page: 386, stat: Journal Article,

Five-year outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Sultan, Samuel; Gupta, Deepali; Parikh, Manish; Youn, Heekoung; Kurian, Marina; Fielding, George; Ren-Fielding, Christine
2010 Jul-Aug;6(4):373-376, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Evidence of the positive effects of gastric banding on patients with diabetes has continued to increase. The long-term follow-up of such patients, however, has been limited. The purpose of the present study was to provide the long-term outcomes of patients with diabetes undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at our institution. METHODS: From January 2002 through June 2004, 102 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The study parameters included preoperative age, gender, race, body mass index, duration of diabetes before surgery, fasting glucose level, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and medications used. Preoperative data from all patients were collected prospectively and entered into an institutional review board-approved database. Beginning in 2008, efforts were made to collect the 5-year follow-up data. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 7 were excluded because they had not reached the 5-year follow-up point (2 patients had had the band removed early and 5 patients had died; 2 of cancer and 3 of unknown causes), leaving 95 patients for the present study. The mean preoperative age was 49.3 years (range 21.3-68.4). The mean preoperative body mass index was 46.3 kg/m(2) (range 35.1-71.9) and had decreased to 35.0 kg/m(2) (range 21.1-53.7) by 5 years of follow-up, yielding a mean percentage of excess weight loss of 48.3%. The mean duration of the diabetes diagnosis before surgery was 6.5 years. Of 94 patients, 83 (88.3%) were taking medications preoperatively, with 14.9% overall taking insulin. At 5 years postoperatively, 33 (46.5%) of 71 patients were taking medications, with 8.5% taking insulin. The mean fasting preoperative glucose level was 146.0 mg/dL. The glucose level had decreased to 118.5 mg/dL at 5 years postoperatively (P = .004). The mean HbA1c level was 7.53 preoperatively in 72 patients and was 6.58 at 5 years postoperatively in 64 patients (P <.001). Overall, diabetes had resolved (no medication requirement, with HbA1c <6 and/or glucose <100 mg/dL) in 23 (39.7%) of 58 patients and had improved (use of fewer medications and/or fasting glucose levels of 100-125 mg/dL) in 41 (71.9%) of 57 patients. The combined improvement/remission rate was 80% (64 of 80 patients). CONCLUSION: Our data have demonstrated that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding results in a substantial sustained positive effect on diabetes in morbidly obese patients, with a significant reduction in HbA1c and an 80% overall rate of improvement/remission
— id: 111359, year: 2010, vol: 6, page: 373, stat: Journal Article,

Safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery: Roux-en-y gastric bypass is superior to gastric banding in the management of morbidly obese patients: a response
Bhoyrul, Sunil; Dixon, John; Fielding, George; Ren Fielding, Christine; Patterson, Emma; Grossbard, Lee; Shayani, Vafa; Bessler, Marc; Voellinger, David; Billy, Helmuth; Cywes, Robert; Ehrlich, Timothy B; Jones, Daniel B; Watkins, Brad M; Ponce, Jaime; Brengman, Matthew; Schroder, Gregory
2009 ;3(1):17-17, Patient safety in surgery
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The recent article by Guller, Klein, Hagen was reviewed and discussed by the authors of this response to critically analyze the validity of the conclusions, at a time when patients and providers depend on peer reviewed data to guide their health care choices. The authors of this response all have high volume bariatric surgery practices encompassing experience with both gastric bypass and gastric banding, and have made significant contributions to the peer reviewed literature. We examined the assumptions of the paper, reviewed the main articles cited, provided more evidence from articles that were included in the materials and methods of the paper, but not cited, and challenge the conclusion that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is superior to gastric banding. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The paper by Guller et al was subject to significant bias. The authors did not demonstrate an understanding of gastric banding, selectively included data with unfavorable results towards gastric banding, did not provide equal critique to the literature on gastric bypass, and deliberately excluded much of the favorable data on gastric banding. CONCLUSION: The paper's conclusion that gastric bypass is the procedure of choice is biased, unsubstantiated, not supported by the current literature and represents a disservice to the scientific and health care community
— id: 109864, year: 2009, vol: 3, page: 17, stat: Journal Article,

Gastric banding with simultaneous panniculectomy: two case reports on technique
Carelli, Allison M; Rousou, Laki J; Lok, Benjamin H; Marti, Jennifer L; Fielding, George A
2009 Jul-Aug;5(4):507-509, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
— id: 96029, year: 2009, vol: 5, page: 507, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic major hepatectomy: an evolution in standard of care
Dagher, Ibrahim; O'Rourke, Nicholas; Geller, David A; Cherqui, Daniel; Belli, Giulio; Gamblin, T Clark; Lainas, Panagiotis; Laurent, Alexis; Nguyen, Kevin Tri; Marvin, Michael R; Thomas, Mark; Ravindra, Kadyalia; Fielding, George; Franco, Dominique; Buell, Joseph F
2009 Nov;250(5):856-860, Annals of surgery
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of 6 international surgical centers performing laparoscopic major liver resections. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The safety and feasibility of laparoscopy for minor liver resections has been previously demonstrated. Major anatomic liver resections, initially considered to be unsuitable for laparoscopy, are increasingly reported by several centers worldwide. METHODS: Prospective databases of 3 European, 2 U.S., and 1 Australian centers were combined. Between 1997 and 2008, 210 major liver resections were performed: 136 right and 74 left hepatectomies. Results and differences in surgical techniques between the 6 centers are outlined. RESULTS: Surgical duration was 250 minutes (range: 90-655 minutes). Operative blood loss was 300 mL (range: 20-2500 mL). Thirty patients (14.3%) received blood transfusion. Conversion to open surgery was required in 26 patients (12.4%). Portal triad clamping was performed in 24 patients (11.4%). Median tumor size was 5.4 cm (range: 1-25 cm) and surgical margin was 10.5 mm (range: 0-70 mm). Two patients died during the postoperative period from pulmonary embolism and urosepsis. Liver-specific and general complications occurred in 17 (8.1%) and 29 patients (13.8%), respectively. Hospital length of stay was 6 days (range: 1-34 days). A further analysis of early (n = 90) and late (n = 120) experience showed improved surgical and postoperative results in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study demonstrates that laparoscopic major liver resections are feasible in selected patients and results improve with experience. However, proficiency in both open liver surgery and advanced laparoscopy is compulsory and surgeons must begin with minor laparoscopic resections
— id: 133729, year: 2009, vol: 250, page: 856, stat: Journal Article,

A Comparison of the Percent Excess Weight Loss with the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) Among Patients with and Without Diabetes: A Retrospective Study in Five Centers
Fielding, G; Ren, C; Woodman, G; Morton, C; Barsoumian, R; Geiss, A; Ehrlich, T; Kurian, M; Malangone, E; Hale, B
2009 AUG ;19(8):969-969, Obesity surgery
— id: 101240, year: 2009, vol: 19, page: 969, stat: Journal Article,

The Efficacy and Safety of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) at Two Years: A Retrospective Study in Five Centers
Geiss, A; Barsoumian, R; Ehrlich, T; Morton, C; Ren, C; Fielding, G; Woodman, G; Kurian, M; Stem, L; Hale, B
2009 AUG ;19(8):961-962, Obesity surgery
— id: 101239, year: 2009, vol: 19, page: 961, stat: Journal Article,

5-7 Year Us Outcomes with Gastric Banding: Sustainability of a Procedure
Kurian, M; Youn, H; Fielding, G; Ren, C
2009 AUG ;19(8):955-955, Obesity surgery
— id: 101238, year: 2009, vol: 19, page: 955, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbidly obese adolescents affects android fat loss, resolution of comorbidities, and improved metabolic status
Nadler, Evan P; Reddy, Shivani; Isenalumhe, Anthony; Youn, Heekoung A; Peck, Valerie; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2009 Nov;209(5):638-644, Journal of the American College of Surgeons
BACKGROUND: The distribution of weight loss and its impact on metabolic health has not been documented for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in the adolescent population. We hypothesized that LAGB in obese adolescents would result in loss of android fat mass, resolution of comorbidities, and improvement in metabolic status. STUDY DESIGN: Adolescents ages 14 to 17 who met criteria for bariatric surgery were enrolled in our FDA-approved LAGB trial. Demographic data, body mass index, body composition and bone density, laboratory evaluations, and comorbid conditions were assessed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty-five patients had complete 1-year followup and 41 patients had complete 2-year followup. Mean preoperative weight was 299 + or - 57 lb and body mass index was 48 + or - 6.4 kg/m(2). The percent excess weight losses at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 31 + or - 16, 46 + or - 21, and 47 + or - 22, respectively. At 1-year followup, patients after LAGB had a significant decrease in their total and android fat mass. In addition, 47 of 85 identified comorbidities (55%) were completely resolved and 25 (29%) were improved in comparison with baseline. Improvements in alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein, were also seen. CONCLUSIONS: The percent excess weight loss after LAGB in morbidly obese adolescents is approximately 45% at 1- and 2-year followup, with the majority of weight loss consisting of android fat mass. Resolution or improvement of comorbidities is seen, and improved metabolic status, as demonstrated by liver function tests, lipid levels, and measures of glucose homeostasis, may be expected. These data support LAGB as an appropriate surgical option for morbidly obese adolescents
— id: 104905, year: 2009, vol: 209, page: 638, stat: Journal Article,

Percent Excess Weight Loss with the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB): a Retrospective Study in Five Centers
Ren, C; Fielding, G; Ehrlich, T; Morton, C; Geiss, A; Barsoumian, R; Woodman, G; Kurian, M; Hale, B; Malangone, E
2009 AUG ;19(8):995-996, Obesity surgery
— id: 101241, year: 2009, vol: 19, page: 995, stat: Journal Article,

Early U.S. outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in patients with a body mass index less than 35 kg/m2
Sultan, Samuel; Parikh, Manish; Youn, Heekoung; Kurian, Marina; Fielding, George; Ren, Christine
2009 Jul;23(7):1569-1573, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: Many mildly to moderately obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) lower than 35 kg/m(2) have serious diseases related to their obesity. Nonsurgical therapy is ineffective in the long term, yet surgery has never been made widely available to this population. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, 53 patients with a BMI lower than 35 kg/m(2) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at our institution. Data on all these patients were collected prospectively and entered into an institutional review board-approved electronic registry. The study parameters included preoperative age, gender, BMI, presence of comorbidities, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and resolution of comorbidities. RESULTS: The mean preoperative age of the patients was 46.9 years (range, 16-68 years), and the mean preoperative BMI was 33.1 kg/m(2) (range, 28.2-35.0 kg/m(2)). Of the 53 patients, 49 (92%) had at least one obesity-related comorbidity. The mean BMI decreased to 28.1 +/- 2.4 kg/m(2), 25.8 +/- 2.9 kg/m(2), and 25.8 +/- 3.1 kg/m(2) and mean %EWL was 48.3 +/- 17.6, 69.9 +/- 28.0, and 69.7 +/- 31.7 at 0.5, 1, and 2 years, respectively. Substantial improvement occurred for the following comorbidities evaluated: hypertension, depression, diabetes, asthma, hypertriglyceridemia, obstructive sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, and osteoarthritis. There was one slip, two cases of band obstruction (from food), two cases of esophagitis, and two port leaks, but no mortality. CONCLUSION: The authors are very encouraged by this series of low-BMI patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Their weight loss has been excellent, and their complications have been acceptable. Their comorbidities have partially or wholly resolved. With further study, it is reasonable to expect alteration of the weight guidelines for bariatric surgery to include patients with a BMI lower than 35 kg/m(2)
— id: 100185, year: 2009, vol: 23, page: 1569, stat: Journal Article,

Studies of Swedish adjustable gastric band and Lap-Band: systematic review and meta-analysis
Cunneen, SA; Phillips, E; Fielding, G; Banel, D; Estok, R; Fahrbach, K; Sledge, I
2008 MAR-APR ;4(2):174-185, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
Background: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the large body of data describing the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) and Lap-Band (LB). Methods: A systematic review was performed that included screening of studies published in any language (January, 1 1998 through April 30, 2006) identified through MEDLINE Current Contents, or the Cochrane Library. Studies with >= 10 SAGB or I-B patients reporting >= 30-day efficacy or safety outcomes were eligible for review; the data were extracted from the accepted studies. A weighted means analysis and random-effects meta-analysis of efficacy outcomes of interest were conducted. Results: A total of 4592 bariatric surgery Studies met the initial criteria. Of these studies, 129 (28,980 patients) were accepted (33 SAGB and 104 LB studies): most had a retrospective single-center design. For 4273 patients (36 treatment groups) in 33 SAGB Studies and 24,707 patients (111 groups) in 104 LB studies. the mean baseline age (39.1-40.2 yr), body mass index (43.8-45.3 kg/m(2))and gender (women 79.2-92.5%) were similar. A laparoscopic technique Was used in >= 88% and a pars flaccida technique in >= 41% of both groups. Early mortality was equivalent for SAGB/LB (<=.1%). The 3-year mean SAGB and LB excess weight loss (56.36% and 50.20%, respectively) and body mass index reduction (-11.99 and -11.81 kg/m(2), respectively) from baseline were statistically significant (P <.05), as was the resolution of diabetes (61.45% and 60.29%, respectively) and hypertension (62.95% and 43.58%, respectively). Although scant and inconsistently reported data precluded direct statistical comparisons, the complication rates for the 2 devices appeared comparable. In 8 directly comparative studies. meta-analysis found a significantly greater absolute weight loss (P <.05) with the SAGB at 2 years (48.4 versus 41.9 kg, mean difference -4.84, 95% confidence interval -9.47 to -0.22), although no difference was found in the percentage of excess weight loss or change in body mass index. Conclusion: In a systematic review of the published world SAGB and LB data. at 1, 2, and 3 years. the weight loss, resolution of diabetes and hypertension. and complications appeared comparable. (Surg Obes Relat Dis 2008 4:1 74-185.) (C) 2008 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric surgery. All rights reserved
— id: 91288, year: 2008, vol: 4, page: 174, stat: Journal Article,

The obesity epidemic, bariatric surgery, and the role of the practictioner
Fielding, Christine Ren; Fielding, George
2008 ;15(8):40-41, Primary Psychiatry
Obesity is about to surpass cigarette smoking as the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. In the year 2000, data showed that 435,000 Americans died from cigarette smoke and 400,000 from obesity. This represents 18,1% and 16.6%, respectively, of all deaths in the US. Greater than 33% of US adults (>72 million people) were obese in 2005-2006. Obesity in children and adolescents is also on the rise and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in adult life.
— id: 100657, year: 2008, vol: 15, page: 40, stat: Journal Article,

Lap-band impact on the function of the esophagus
Gamagaris, Zoi; Patterson, Carlie; Schaye, Verity; Francois, Fritz; Traube, Morris; Fielding, Christine J; Fielding, George A; Youn, Allison Heekoung; Weinshel, Elizabeth H
2008 Oct;18(10):1268-1272, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has been widely used to treat morbid obesity. There is conflicting data on its long-term effect on esophageal function. Our aim was to assess the long-term impact of the LAGB on esophageal motility and pH-metry in patients who had LAGB who had normal and abnormal esophageal function at baseline. METHODS: Consecutive patients referred for bariatric surgery were prospectively enrolled. A detailed medical history was obtained, and esophageal manometric and 24-h pH evaluations were performed in standard fashion preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively; patients served as their own controls. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients completed manometric evaluation. Ten patients had normal manometric parameters at baseline; at 6 months, mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure increased significantly from baseline (3.9 +/- 2 vs. 8.9 +/- 4 mmHg, p = 0.014). At 12 months, the mean peristaltic wave duration increased from 3.6 +/- 1 at baseline to 6.8 +/- 2 s, p = 0.025 and wave amplitude decreased during the same period (98.7 +/- 22 vs. 52.3 +/- 24, p = 0.013). LES pressure and percent peristalsis did not differ significantly pre- and post-LAGB. Twelve patients had one or more abnormal manometric findings at baseline; at 12 months, LES pressure in these 12 patients decreased significantly (31.1 +/- 10 vs 23.6 +/- 7, p = 0.011) and wave amplitude was significantly reduced (125.9 +/- 117 vs 103 +/- 107, p = 0.039). LES residual pressure did not change significantly pre- and post-LAGB. Twenty-two individuals were evaluated for impact of Lap-Band on esophageal acid exposure. Sixteen of these patients had normal esophageal pH-metry values at baseline and had no significant changes in 12 months in any pH-metry measurement. Six patients had abnormal pH-metry values at baseline. Among these patients, time with pH < 4.0 and Johnson/DeMeester score did not change significantly during follow-up. There was a significant decrease in the number of reflux episodes from baseline to 6 months (159 +/- 48 vs. 81 +/- 61, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal manometric findings are frequently encountered post-LAGB. Increases in LES residual pressure and peristaltic wave duration were the most significant changes. LAGB is not associated with an increase in total esophageal acidification time. Further evaluation of the clinical significance of manometric abnormalities is warranted
— id: 91869, year: 2008, vol: 18, page: 1268, stat: Journal Article,

Gastric banding as a salvage procedure for patients with weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Gobble, Ryan M; Parikh, Manish S; Greives, Matthew R; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2008 Apr;22(4):1019-1022, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: This study reviews outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement in patients with weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). METHODS: All data was prospectively collected and entered into an electronic registry. Characteristics evaluated for this study included pre-operative age and body mass index (BMI), gender, conversion rate, operative (OR) time, length of stay (LOS), percentage excess weight loss (EWL), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: 11 patients (seven females, four males) were referred to our program for weight loss failure after RYGBP (six open, five laparoscopic). Mean age and BMI pre-RYGBP were 39.5 years (24-58 years) and 53.2 kg/m(2) (41.2-71 kg/m(2)), respectively. Mean EWL after RYGBP was 38% (19-49%). All patients were referred to us for persistent morbid obesity due to weight loss failure or weight regain. The average time between RYGBP and LAGB was 5.5 years (1.8-20 years). Mean age and BMI pre-LAGB were 46.1 years (29-61 years) and 43.4 kg/m(2) (36-57 kg/m(2)), respectively. Vanguard (VG) bands were placed laparoscopically in most patients. There was one conversion to open. Mean OR time and LOS were 76 minutes and 29 hours, respectively. The 30-day complication rate was 0% and mortality was 0%. There were no band slips or erosions; however, one patient required reoperation for a flipped port. The average follow-up after LAGB was 13 months (2-32 months) with a mean BMI of 37.1 kg/m(2 )(22.7-54.5 kg/m(2)) and an overall mean EWL of 59% (7-96%). Patients undergoing LAGB after failed RYGBP lost an additional 20.8% EWL (6-58%). CONCLUSION: Our experience shows that LAGB is a safe and effective solution to failed RYGBP
— id: 79291, year: 2008, vol: 22, page: 1019, stat: Journal Article,

Hiatal hernia repair at the initial laparoscopic adjustable gastric band operation reduces the need for reoperation
Gulkarov, Iosif; Wetterau, Meredith; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2008 Apr;22(4):1035-1041, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: Intractable reflux, either due to gastric prolapse or concentric pouch dilatation has been the most common indication for reoperation or band removal after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). We have previously found that a simple hiatal hernia repair (HHR) leads to remission of these symptoms minimizing the need for band removal. We have subsequently added crural repair/HHR at the initial operation, where indicated. In this study compare the rate of reoperation in patients who underwent LAGB alone, or with concurrent HHR. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective database of all patients undergoing LAGB was performed to determine the incidence of reoperation in the two groups. RESULTS: Between July 2001 and August of 2006, 1298 patients underwent LAGB and 520 patients underwent LAGB with concurrent HHR (LAGB/HHR). The mean initial weight and BMI were 128 kg (range, 71.1-245.7 kg) and 45.4 kg/m(2) (range, 28-75 kg/m(2)). Average follow-up for the LAGB and LAGB/HHR groups was 24.8 and 20.5 months, respectively. Rate of reoperation for HHR alone, or with band slip or concentric pouch dilatation, for LAGB and LAGB/HHR groups was 5.6% and 1.7% respectively (p < 0.001). Total reoperation rate for slip, HHR and pouch dilatation was 7.9% and 3.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in rate of slip repair alone between the two groups: 2.3% and 1.7%, respectively (p < 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Adding HHR to LAGB where indicated significantly reduces reoperation rate. Every effort should be made to detect and repair HHR during placement of the band, as it will decrease future need for reoperation
— id: 79294, year: 2008, vol: 22, page: 1035, stat: Journal Article,

An update on 73 US obese pediatric patients treated with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: comorbidity resolution and compliance data
Nadler, Evan P; Youn, Heekoung A; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2008 Jan;43(1):141-146, Journal of pediatric surgery
BACKGROUND: Adolescent obesity continues to present one of the most difficult and important challenges for both the pediatric and adult medical communities. Evidence is mounting that bariatric surgery is the only reliable method for substantial and sustainable weight loss; however, the debate continues with regard to the optimal surgical procedure for both adolescents and adults. Although most US adult bariatric surgeons prefer the gastric bypass, our institution has demonstrated equivalent weight loss with significantly less morbidity using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in both adults and adolescents. This analysis is an update of our results in our first 73 patients, including resolution of comorbid conditions and compliance data. METHODS: All adolescents aged 13 to 17 years who have undergone LAGB at our institution have been entered into our prospectively collected database since September 2001 and were reviewed. Data collected preoperatively included age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and presence of comorbid conditions. Postoperatively recorded data included length of stay, operative morbidity, need for reoperation, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and BMI at 3-month intervals; status of any comorbid conditions, and number of postoperative visits and band adjustments. RESULTS: Seventy-three adolescents aged 13 to 17 years (mean, 15.8 +/- 1.2 years) have undergone LAGB at our institution since September, 2001. Of these, 54 were female and 19 were male. The mean preoperative weight was 298 lb, with a BMI of 48 kg/m(2). The %EWL at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively was 35% +/- 16%, 57% +/- 23%, and 61% +/- 27%, respectively. One patient experienced a gastric perforation after a reoperation for band replacement because of a slip. One additional patient requested band removal because of restriction intolerance after a slip. A total of 6 patients developed band slippage, and 3 patients developed symptomatic hiatal hernias. Nutritional complications included asymptomatic iron deficiency in 13 patients, asymptomatic vitamin D deficiency in 4 patients, and mild subjective hair loss in 14 patients. In 21 patients who entered our Food and Drug Administration-approved study and had reached 1-year follow-up, there were 51 identified comorbid conditions. Of these, 35 (68.5%) were completely resolved, 9 (17.5%) were improved, 5 (10%) were unchanged, and 2 (4%) were aggravated after 1 year. Of 50 initial patients who underwent surgery more than 1 year ago, 2 patients lived a large distance from our institution, where band maintenance is being performed locally, and thus, the patients were excluded from the analysis. Two patients were lost to follow-up in the first year, and 3 patients were lost to follow-up in the second year, for an overall compliance rate of at least 89.5%. The mean number of office visits was 10 +/- 3 in the first year, and the mean number of adjustments was 6 +/- 2. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding continues to represent an attractive treatment strategy for morbidly obese pediatric patients with a %EWL of more than 55% at both 1- and 2-year follow-up, with minimal morbidity compared with the gastric bypass. Furthermore, the weight loss associated with LAGB provides excellent resolution or improvement of comorbid conditions. Although there is a necessary commitment by the patient that involves frequent office visits and band adjustments, adolescents are entirely capable of this commitment, and noncompliance should not be a reason to dissuade adolescents from having LAGB. It remains, in our opinion, the optimal surgical option for pediatric patients with morbid obesity
— id: 76089, year: 2008, vol: 43, page: 141, stat: Journal Article,

The Effect of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Surgery on Plasma Levels of Appetite-Control, Insulinotropic, and Digestive Hormones
Shak, Joshua R; Roper, Jatin; Perez-Perez, Guillermo I; Tseng, Chi-hong; Francois, Fritz; Gamagaris, Zoi; Patterson, Carlie; Weinshel, Elizabeth; Fielding, George A; Ren, Christine; Blaser, Martin J
2008 Sep;18(9):1089-1096, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) reduces weight and modulates ghrelin production, but largely spares gastrointestinal endocrine function. To examine this hypothesis, we determined plasma concentrations of appetite-control, insulinotropic, and digestive hormones in relation to LAGB. METHODS: Twenty-four patients undergoing LAGB were prospectively enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) was measured and blood samples obtained at baseline and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Plasma concentrations of leptin, acylated and total ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), gastrin, and pepsinogens I and II were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays. RESULTS: Median percent excess weight loss (%EWL) over 12 months was 45.7% with median BMI decreasing from 43.2 at baseline to 33.8 at 12 months post-surgery (p < 0.001). Median leptin levels decreased from 19.7 ng/ml at baseline to 6.9 ng/ml at 12 months post-surgery (p < 0.001). In contrast, plasma levels of acylated and total ghrelin, PP, insulin, GIP, GLP-1, gastrin, and pepsinogen I did not change in relation to surgery (p > 0.05). Pepsinogen II levels were significantly lower 6 months after LAGB but returned to baseline levels by 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: LAGB yielded substantial %EWL and a proportional decrease in plasma leptin. Our results support the hypothesis that LAGB works in part by suppressing the rise in ghrelin that normally accompanies weight loss. Unchanged concentrations of insulinotropic and digestive hormones suggest that gastrointestinal endocrine function is largely maintained in the long term
— id: 78623, year: 2008, vol: 18, page: 1089, stat: Journal Article,

Fighting weight : discover healthy weight loss by overcoming hunger -- forever
Ali, Khaliah; Ren, Christine; Fielding, George
New York : Collins, 2007,
— id: 1326, year: 2007, vol: , page: , stat: ,

Nutritional deficiency of selenium secondary to weight loss (bariatric) surgery associated with life-threatening cardiomyopathy
Boldery, Rachel; Fielding, George; Rafter, Tony; Pascoe, Andrew L; Scalia, Gregory M
2007 Apr;16(2):123-126, Heart, lung & circulation
Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals have been associated with reversible and irreversible cardiomyopathic processes. Selenium deficient dilated cardiomyopathy, first described in 1935 in the Keshan Province of China, was sometimes reversed with selenium supplementation. In the past three decades, selenium deficient cardiomyopathy has re-emerged in western medicine secondary to gastrointestinal disorders, long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and gastrointestinal surgery. This report describes a case of selenium deficient cardiomyopathy secondary to the bariatric (weight loss) surgical operation bilio-pancreatic diversion (Scopinaro procedure). This patient presented with life-threatening heart failure nine months after this surgery, having lost 100 kg of body weight. Multiple nutritional deficiencies were detected and corrected including severely depleted selenium levels. Cardiac function and the clinical scenario improved dramatically over three weeks. Screening patients at risk of malnourishment for selenium deficiency as a potential cause of cardiomyopathy is indicated
— id: 72656, year: 2007, vol: 16, page: 123, stat: Journal Article,

Gender differences and bariatric surgery outcome
Khaykis, I; Ren, CJ; Fielding, GA; Huberman, W; Wolfe, B; Youn, H; Hong, S; Francois, FF; Weinshel, E
2007 SEP ;102(9):891-559, American journal of gastroenterology
— id: 98043, year: 2007, vol: 102, page: 891, stat: Journal Article,

Treatment with lavender aromatherapy in the post-anesthesia care unit reduces opioid requirements of morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Kim, Jung T; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A; Pitti, Abhishek; Kasumi, Takeo; Wajda, Michael; Lebovits, Allen; Bekker, Alex
2007 Jul;17(7):920-925, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Parenteral administration of opioids and NSAIDs has been the mainstay for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Both classes of drugs, however, are associated with serious adverse effects. An addition of complimentary analgesic techniques may decrease requirement for traditional analgesics, thus reducing the incidence of side-effects. We designed the study to evaluate the effectiveness of Lavender aromatherapy in reducing opioid requirements after LAGB. METHODS: A prospective randomized placebo controlled study was carried out on 54 patients undergoing LAGB. Upon arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), patients in the study group were treated with lavender oil, which was applied to the oxygen face mask; the control group patients received nonscented baby oil. Postoperative pain was treated with morphine. Numerical rating scores (0-10) were used to measure the level of pain at 5, 30, and 60 min. Sedation was evaluated using the Observer Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale (0-5). Data analyzed included the amount of opioids, NRS, OAA/S, PACU discharge time, as well as the incidence of side-effects. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to patient characteristics, intraoperative drug use, and surgical time. Significantly more patients in the Placebo group (PL) required analgesics for postoperative pain (22/27, 82%) than patients in the Lavender group (LAV) (12/26, 46%) (P = .007). Moreover, the LAV patients required significantly less morphine postoperatively than PL patients: 2.38 mg vs 4.26 mg, respectively (P = .04). There were no differences in the requirements for post-operative antiemetics, antihypertensives, or PACU discharge time. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that lavender aromatherapy can be used to reduce the demand for opioids in the immediate postoperative period. Further studies are required to assess the effect of this therapy on clinically meaningful outcomes, such as the incidence of respiratory complications, delayed gastric emptying, length of hospital stay, or whether this therapy is applicable to other operations
— id: 74527, year: 2007, vol: 17, page: 920, stat: Journal Article,

Short-term results in 53 US obese pediatric patients treated with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Nadler, Evan P; Youn, Heekoung A; Ginsburg, Howard B; Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2007 Jan;42(1):137-141, Journal of pediatric surgery
BACKGROUND: Obesity in the adolescent population has reached epidemic proportions. Although diet and behavior modification can help a minority of teenagers, most of these patients go on to become obese adults. Recently, surgical intervention for morbid obesity has gained increasing support. To date, this has only included gastric bypass procedures. However, this procedure carries at least a 1% mortality rate even in the hands of the most experienced surgeons. Therefore, our center has been using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to treat adolescents with morbid obesity. This analysis is a report of our short-term results in our first 53 patients. METHODS: All adolescents aged 13 to 17 years who had undergone LAGB at our institution and had been entered into our prospectively collected database since 2001 were reviewed. Data collected preoperatively included age, sex, race, and body mass index (BMI). Postoperatively recorded data included length of stay, operative morbidity, need for reoperation, as well as percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and BMI at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Fifty-three teenagers aged 13 to 17 years (mean, 15.9 years) underwent LAGB at our institution since September 2001. Of these, 41 were female and 12 were male. The mean preoperative weight was 297 +/- 53 lb and the mean initial BMI was 47.6 +/- 6.7 kg/m2. The %EWL was 37.5 +/- 17.0 at 6 months, 62.7 +/- 27.6 at 1 year, and 48.5 +/- 15.6 at 18 months of follow-up. There were no intraoperative complications. Two patients had band slips that required laparoscopic repositioning, and 2 patients developed a symptomatic hiatal hernia that required laparoscopic repair. All of these procedures were performed as outpatient procedures. A fifth patient developed a wound infection requiring incision and drainage. Other complications included mild hair loss in 5 patients, iron deficiency in 4 patients, nephrolithiasis and cholelithiasis in 1 patient, and gastroesophageal reflux in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is not only a safe operation for morbidly obese pediatric patients, but also represents an effective treatment strategy with a %EWL of approximately 50% at both 1 year and 18 months of follow-up. Because of the minimal morbidity and complete absence of mortality of the LAGB, it is the optimal surgical option for pediatric patients with morbid obesity
— id: 70319, year: 2007, vol: 42, page: 137, stat: Journal Article,

Comparison of rates of resolution of diabetes mellitus after gastric banding, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion
Parikh, Manish; Ayoung-Chee, Patricia; Romanos, Eleny; Lewis, Nichole; Pachter, H Leon; Fielding, George; Ren, Christine
2007 Nov;205(5):631-635, Journal of the American College of Surgeons
BACKGROUND: Bariatric operation is the most effective treatment for diabetes mellitus in the morbidly obese. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of resolution of diabetes mellitus after three common laparoscopic bariatric procedures: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch (BPD/DS). STUDY DESIGN: All data were prospectively collected and entered into an electronic registry. Characteristics evaluated for this study included preoperative age, body mass index, duration of diabetes, race, gender, operative time, length of stay, percent excess weight loss, oral hypoglycemic requirements, and insulin requirements. RESULTS: A total of 282 bariatric patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed (218 LAGB, 53 RYGB, and 11 BPD/DS). Preoperative age (46 to 50 years), body mass index (46 to 50; calculated as kg/m(2)), race and gender breakdown, and baseline oral hypoglycemic (82% to 87%) and insulin requirements (18% to 28%) were comparable among the three groups (p = NS). Percent excess weight loss at 1, 2, and 3 years was: 43%, 50%, and 45% for LAGB; 66%, 68%, and 66% for RYGB; and 68%, 77%, and 82% for BPD/DS (p < 0.01 LAGB versus RYGB and LAGB versus BPD/DS at all time intervals). At 1 and 2 years, the proportion of patients requiring oral hypoglycemics postoperatively was 39% and 34% for LAGB; 22% and 13% for RYGB; and 11% and 13% for BPD/DS (p = NS). At 1 and 2 years, the proportion of patients requiring insulin postoperatively was 14% and 18% for LAGB; 7% and 13% for RYGB; and 11% and 13% for BPD/DS (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the disparity in percent excess weight loss between LAGB, RYGB, and BPD/DS, the rate of resolution of diabetes mellitus is equivalent
— id: 75399, year: 2007, vol: 205, page: 631, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in obese adolescents results in android fat loss and resolution of co-morbid conditions
Reddy, S; Peck, V; Ren, C; Fielding, G; Nadler, EP
2007 SEP ;205(3):S49-S49, Journal of the American College of Surgeons
— id: 74182, year: 2007, vol: 205, page: S49, stat: Journal Article,

Gastric banding at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital: trials and tribulations of a public service
Stringer, Kate M; Bryant, Richard; Hopkins, George H; Favot, Danella; Fielding, George A
2007 Jul;77(7):550-552, ANZ journal of surgery
BACKGROUND: The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital provides the only gastric banding service for the public to the state of Queensland. Our patients are potentially a different group from the previously reported Australian series with respect to weight, comorbidities and ease of follow up and we therefore present this series of public patient for comparison of medium-term results. METHODS: The service consists of a dedicated fortnightly clinic. Patients are referred from within the hospital and also from other health services throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. Resources allow a limited number of gastric bands to be placed annually. At follow up, measurement of weight is carried out and band adjustments made as necessary. Data are collected prospectively on a dedicated database (LapBase; AccessMed, Melbourne, Australia). RESULTS: Sixty-nine laparoscopic gastric bands (Lap Band; Inamed Health, Santa Barbara, CA, USA) have been placed as a public service at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital since August 2001 in 50 women and 19 men. The mean body mass index (BMI) at surgery was 53 kg/m2 (range 33-81 kg/m2). The mean percentage of excess bodyweight lost at 1, 2 and 3 years is 38.5, 45.7 and 57.9%, respectively. The mean BMI has reduced from the baseline of 53 to 44.5 at 1 year, 41.8 at 2 years and 38.6 at 3 years. The waiting list currently contains 103 patients with a mean BMI of 53 kg/m2 and 250 new referrals are on a waiting list for initial review. CONCLUSION: A banding service for the public is a unique experience. The BMI is greater than in other published series; diverse geographic origin of the patients creates difficulties with review and there are limited surgical resources. The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital is leading the way towards a multidisciplinary clinic approach to managing obesity. However, more resources will be required to have an effect on overall public health
— id: 96030, year: 2007, vol: 77, page: 550, stat: Journal Article,

Repeat laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) after previous band erosion and laparoscopic band removal and gastric repair
Fielding, G; Ren, C; Harris, M
2006 AUG ;16(8):976-977, Obesity surgery
— id: 69033, year: 2006, vol: 16, page: 976, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding after previous open vertical banded gastroplasty
Harris, M; Ren, C; Fielding, G
2006 AUG ;16(8):980-980, Obesity surgery
— id: 69034, year: 2006, vol: 16, page: 980, stat: Journal Article,

Four-year review of trends in nutritional deficiencies and clinical sequelae after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
Harris, M; Ren, C; Fielding, G; Kumar, P; Parikh, M
2006 AUG ;16(8):990-990, Obesity surgery
— id: 69036, year: 2006, vol: 16, page: 990, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for patients with body mass index of <or=35 kg/m2
Parikh, M; Duncombe, J; Fielding, G A
2006 Sep-Oct;2(5):518-522, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Many mild-to-moderately obese individuals (body mass index [BMI] 30-35 kg/m(2)) have serious diseases related to their obesity. Nonoperative therapy is ineffective in the long term, yet surgery has never been made widely available to this population. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2004, 93 patients with a BMI of 30-35 kg/m(2) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the LAP-BAND. All patients were referred by their primary physician, entered into a comprehensive bariatric surgery program at one Australian center, and operated on by one surgeon. Data on all patients were collected prospectively and entered into an electronic registry. The study parameters included preoperative age, gender, BMI, presence of co-morbidities, percentage of excess weight loss, and resolution of co-morbidities. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.6 years (range 16-76), mean weight was 98 kg, and the mean BMI was 32.7 kg/m(2) (range 30-34). Of the 93 patients, 42 (45%) had co-morbidities, including asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The proportion of patients in follow-up was 79%, 85%, and 89% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The mean weight was reduced to 71 kg at 1 year, 72 kg at 2 years, and 72 kg at 3 years. The mean BMI was reduced to 27.2 +/- 2.2, 27.3 +/- 3.1, and 27.6 +/- 3.7 kg/m(2), respectively, and the mean percentage of excess weight loss was 57.9% +/- 24.5%, 57.6 +/- 29.3%, and 53.8% +/- 32.8% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. At 3 years, the BMI was 18-24 kg/m(2) in 34%, 25-29 kg/m(2) in 51%, and 30-35 kg/m(2) in 10%. At 3 years, the percentage of excess weight loss was <25% in 10%, 25-50% in 24%, 50-75% in 51%, and >75% in 10%. The co-morbidities improved or completely resolved in most patients. No mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: We are very encouraged by this series of low BMI patients treated with the LAP-BAND. Their weight loss has been good, the complications have been minimal, and the co-morbidities have partially or wholly resolved. With additional study, it is reasonable to expect the weight guidelines for bariatric surgery to be altered to include patients with a BMI of 30-35 kg/m(2)
— id: 69692, year: 2006, vol: 2, page: 518, stat: Journal Article,

Comparison of outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in African-Americans and whites
Parikh, Manish; Lo, Helen; Chang, Christopher; Collings, Dinee; Fielding, George; Ren, Christine
2006 Nov-Dec;2(6):607-610, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Race may affect outcomes after bariatric surgery. This study compares outcomes in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution between African-Americans and whites after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: Data from 959 patients undergoing LAGB between July 2001 and July 2004 were prospectively collected and entered into an electronic registry. Propensity score matching analysis was used to match whites to African-Americans on the basis of age, gender, and preoperative body mass index (BMI). Preoperative comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia) were also compared. Operative time (OR), length of stay (LOS), comorbidity resolution, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1, 2, and 3 years were analyzed. All data were updated through May 2006. RESULTS: A total of 65 white LAGB patients were matched to 58 African-American LAGB patients on the basis of age, gender, and preoperative BMI. The preoperative mean age and BMI were 37 +/- 19 years and 47 +/- 7 kg/m2, respectively. A total of 55% of the white group and 64% of the African-American group had one or more comorbidities (P = NS). Median OR time and LOS were similar in both groups: 50 minutes and 23 hours, respectively. The majority of patients in both groups had major improvement or resolution of one or more comorbidities (61% whites vs 77% African-Americans, P = NS). There was, however, a significant difference in %EWL between whites and African-Americans at each time interval (49% vs 39% at 1 year; 55% vs 44% at 2 years; 52% vs 41% at 3 years; P < .05 for all values.). CONCLUSION: Despite the disparity in weight loss with the LAGB in African-Americans and whites, both patient populations experienced a similar improvement/resolution of obesity-related comorbidities
— id: 71142, year: 2006, vol: 2, page: 607, stat: Journal Article,

Clinical and radiological follow-up of laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands, 1998 and 2000: a comparison of two techniques
Fielding, George A; Duncombe, Jennifer E
2005 May;15(5):634-640, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Concerns still exist about the long-term effectiveness and rate of retention of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). Furthermore, esophageal dilatation has been suggested as a long-term complication for LAGB. We therefore sought to objectively analyze our follow-up results in patients with LAGB performed in 1998 by perigastric technique and 2000 by pars flaccida technique. We also offered patients for 1998 a barium esophagram to assess dilatation. METHODS: Data on all 2,300 LAGBs performed since 1996 have been prospectively collected in LapBase. This data was accessed for 1998 and 2000, for follow-up complication, band removal, weight loss and comorbidity reduction. Patients were offered barium esophagrams. RESULTS: 123 patients (mean weight 127 kg, mean BMI 44.5 kg/m2) had LAGB in 1998, and 162 patients (mean weight 123 kg, mean BMI 44) had LAGB in 2000. Follow-up was a mean 67 months in 88% for 1998 and 94% at 34 months for 2000. Mean %EWL for 1998 was 51.2% with mean BMI 31.9. Slippage occurred in 9.5% in 1998 compared to 4.3% in 2000 (P<0.01). 20 of 23 diabetics are off all treatment. 1 of 34 patients had esophageal dilatation on barium esophagram, which resolved on band deflation. CONCLUSION: LAGB is a safe and effective at midterm follow-up. Less slippage occurred after the pars flaccida technique. No evidence of permanent esophageal dilatation was found on barium studies
— id: 72642, year: 2005, vol: 15, page: 634, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in severely obese adolescents
Fielding, George A; Duncombe, Jennifer E
2005 Jul-Aug;1(4):399-405, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Severely obese adolescents are suffering all the consequences well known in adults. A decision was made to offer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery to severely obese adolescents. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the outcomes of 41 adolescents aged 12-19 years (mean 15.6 years) who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. At surgery, their mean weight was 125 +/- 9 kg (range 83-220), and the mean body mass index was 42.4 +/- 8.2 kg/m(2) (range 31-71). The comorbidities included 2 patients with diabetes, 1 with sleep apnea requiring continuous positive airway pressure, 2 with hypertension, and 1 with Perthe's disease of the hip. RESULTS: No operative or 60-day morbidity or mortality occurred. One patient was lost to follow-up, but returned at 3 years. The mean follow-up was 33.8 +/- 19 months (range 1-70). Eighteen patients have had a Lap-Band for at least 3 years. Compliance was excellent, with 12.2 visits per child (range 7-22) at 2 years. At 3 years, the mean body mass index had decreased to 29 +/- 6 kg/m(2) (range 23-47), which was maintained at 5 years. Of the 41 adolescents, 83% were no longer obese, with a BMI <30 kg/m(2). The estimated weight loss was 70% +/- 21% (range 37-101%) and was maintained at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery is a valid option for the care of severely obese adolescents
— id: 72641, year: 2005, vol: 1, page: 399, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band
Fielding, George A; Ren, Christine J
2005 Feb;85(1):129-40, x, Surgical clinics of North America
Only a fraction of morbidly obese patients have come forward for bariatric surgery. This article confirms that the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is a safe, effective, primary weight-loss operation for morbidly obese patients. The LAGB offers a simple, genuinely minimally invasive approach, with the potential to be attractive to many more patients. The key questions are whether it is effective in the longterm and whether it is safe. The midterm data confirm that, so far, LAGB is living up to its early promise as an effective tool. LAGB surgery is safe, and the change to the pars-flaccida approach will lead to even higher patient satisfaction and lower incidence of band removal
— id: 49006, year: 2005, vol: 85, page: 129, stat: Journal Article,

Postoperative ERCP versus laparoscopic choledochotomy for clearance of selected bile duct calculi: a randomized trial
Nathanson, Leslie K; O'Rourke, Nicholas A; Martin, Ian J; Fielding, George A; Cowen, Alistair E; Roberts, Roderick K; Kendall, Bradley J; Kerlin, Paul; Devereux, Benedict M
2005 Aug;242(2):188-192, Annals of surgery
OBJECTIVE: Prospectively evaluate whether for patients having laparoscopic cholecystectomy with failed trans-cystic duct clearance of bile duct (BD) stones they should have laparoscopic choledochotomy or postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Clinical management of BD stones found at laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the last decade has focused on pre-cholecystectomy detection with ERCP clearance in those with suspected stones. This clinical algorithm successfully clears the stones in most patients, but no stones are found in 20% to 60% of patients and rare unpredictably severe ERCP morbidity can result in this group. Our initial experience of 300 consecutive patients with fluoroscopic cholangiography and intraoperative clearance demonstrated that, for the pattern of stone disease we see, 66% of patients' BD stones can be cleared via the cystic duct with dramatic reduction in morbidity compared to the 33% requiring choledochotomy or ERCP. Given the limitations of the preoperative approach to BD stone clearance, this trial was designed to explore the limitations, for patients failing laparoscopic trans-cystic clearance, of laparoscopic choledochotomy or postoperative ERCP. METHODS: Across 7 metropolitan hospitals after failed trans-cystic duct clearance, patients were intraoperatively randomized to have either laparoscopic choledochotomy or postoperative ERCP. Exclusion criteria were: ERCP prior to referral for cholecystectomy, severe cholangitis or pancreatitis requiring immediate ERCP drainage, common BD diameter of less than 7 mm diameter, or if bilio-enteric drainage was required in addition to stone clearance. Drain decompression of the cleared BD was used in the presence of cholangitis, an edematous ampulla due to instrumentation or stone impaction and technical difficulties from local inflammation and fibrosis. The ERCP occurred prior to discharge from hospital. Mechanical and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy was available. Sphincter balloon dilation as an alternative to sphincterotomy to allow stone extraction was not used. Major endpoints for the trial were operative time, morbidity, retained stone rate, reoperation rate, and hospital stay. RESULTS: From June 1998 to February 2003, 372 patients with BD stones had successful trans-cystic duct clearance of stones in 286, leaving 86 patients randomized into the trial. Total operative time was 10.9 minutes longer in the choledochotomy group (158.8 minutes), with slightly shorter hospital stay 6.4 days versus 7.7 days. Bile leak occurred in 14.6% of those having choledochotomy with similar rates of pancreatitis (7.3% versus 8.8%), retained stones (2.4% versus 4.4%), reoperation (7.3% versus 6.6%), and overall morbidity (17% versus 13%). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the majority of secondary BD stones can be diagnosed at the time of cholecystectomy and cleared trans-cystically, with those failing having either choledochotomy or postoperative ERCP. However, because of the small trial size, a significant chance exists that small differences in outcome may exist. We would avoid choledochotomy in ducts less than 7 mm measured at the time of operative cholangiogram and severely inflamed friable tissues leading to a difficult dissection. We would advocate choledochotomy as a good choice for patients after Billroth 11 gastrectomy, failed ERCP access, or where long delays would occur for patient transfer to other locations for the ERCP
— id: 72640, year: 2005, vol: 242, page: 188, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding prior to renal transplantation
Newcombe, Virginia; Blanch, Andrew; Slater, Guy H; Szold, Amir; Fielding, George A
2005 Apr;15(4):567-570, Obesity surgery
End-stage renal failure is most commonly caused by the obesity-related diseases, diabetes mellitus and essential hypertension, and is best treated with renal transplantation. Obesity may contribute to poor patient and graft survival, and is an exclusion criterion in some renal transplant programs. Diet and exercise programs have not proven to be effective for weight loss before transplantation, and bariatric surgery in any form has not been used in this setting before. We report three morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding to meet the criteria for renal transplantation and subsequently were successfully transplanted
— id: 72653, year: 2005, vol: 15, page: 567, stat: Journal Article,

U.S. experience with 749 laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands: intermediate outcomes
Parikh, M S; Fielding, G A; Ren, C J
2005 Dec;19(12):1631-1635, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has consistently been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity, especially in Europe and Australia. Data from the U.S. regarding the LAGB has been insufficient. This study reveals our experience with 749 primary LAGB over a 3-year period in a U.S. university teaching hospital. METHODS: All data was prospectively collected and entered into an electronic registry. Characteristics evaluated for this study include preoperative age, BMI, gender, race, conversion rate, operative time, hospital stay, percent excess weight loss (%EWL) and postoperative complications. Annual esophagrams were performed RESULTS: From July 2001 through September 2004, 749 patients (531 females, 218 males) underwent LAGB for the treatment of morbid obesity. There were 630 Caucasians, 61 African-Americans, and 49 Latin Americans, with a mean age of 42.3 (range 18, 72 years) and mean BMI of 46.0 +/- 7.0 (range 35, 91.5 kg/m(2)). There was one conversion to open (0.1%). Median operative time and hospital stay were 60 minutes and 23 hours, respectively. The mean %EWL at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years was 44.4 (+/-17.8), 51.8 (+/-20.9), and 52.0 (+/-19.6), respectively. There were no mortalities. Postoperative complications occurred in 12.8% of patients: 1.5% acute postoperative band obstruction, 0.9% wound infection, 2.9% gastric prolapse ('slip'), 2.0% concentric pouch dilatation (without slip), 0.8% aspiration pneumonia, 2.4% port/tubing problems, 0.3% severe esophageal dilatation/dysmotility (reversible), and 1.5% overall band removal. CONCLUSION: These American results substantiate the data from abroad that LAGB is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity
— id: 66995, year: 2005, vol: 19, page: 1631, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for patients with a Body Mass Index < 35 kg/m(2)
Parikh, M; Duncombe, J; Fielding, G
2005 AUG ;15(7):983-983, Obesity surgery
— id: 57879, year: 2005, vol: 15, page: 983, stat: Journal Article,

Factors influencing patient choice for bariatric operation
Ren, Christine J; Cabrera, Izumi; Rajaram, Kavitha; Fielding, George A
2005 Feb;15(2):202-206, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: No study has surveyed the factors that influence morbidly obese patients' preference for a particular bariatric operation. METHOD: 469 consecutive patients in 2 major bariatric surgery centers in the United States (US, 124) and Australia (AU, 345) were prospectively studied to determine referral pattern and reason for their choice of operation. RESULTS: The predominant operation was laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in both US (75%) and AU (83%) centers. Gender (70% female), BMI (45 kg/m2) and age (42.5 years) were similar in both cohorts. In Australia, 53% had referral initiated by primary doctors and 25% by another patient, while in the US, 43% by another patient and 27% by the Internet. Safety of the operation (43%) was the highest-rated factor in choosing LAGB. LAGB being 'least invasive' was most significant in the US (46%), and 'surgical safety' in Australia (45%). In the US, Rouxen-Y gastric bypass was preferred due to 'lack of a foreign body' (31%) and 'inability to cheat' (28%), while in Australia, 'dumping' was the most significant reason (50%). Duodenal switch (BPD/DS) was selected in 11% of patients, primarily because of 'durability of the weight loss' (51%). Surprisingly, only 1 patient in the US group selected BPD/DS because the pylorus remains intact. CONCLUSION: Safety and invasiveness had the greatest impact on patient choice for bariatric operation in two different countries. This information may help clinicians better understand their patients' concerns, and their treatment choices
— id: 51789, year: 2005, vol: 15, page: 202, stat: Journal Article,

Poor weight loss despite biliopancreatic diversion and subsequent revision to a 30-cm common channel after initial laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: an analysis of 8 cases
Slater, Guy; Duncombe, Jennifer; Fielding, George A
2005 Nov-Dec;1(6):573-579, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) fails in 5% of patients due to band-related complications or patient intolerance. A subset of patients subsequently managed with biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) have failed to achieve a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) > 50% or a body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m(2) even after a further procedure shortening the common channel to 30 cm. METHOD: A computerized obesity database was used to identify the study group and collect preoperative and outcome data. Patient outcomes were analyzed in 2 groups: LAGB removed either because of a failure to lose weight (FTLW) or because of a band-related complication (eg, recurrent gastric prolapse, gastric erosion, intractable dysphagia). RESULTS: A total of 2300 patients underwent LAGB between 1996 and 2003. LAGB failed in 95 (4%) of these patients, 79 of whom had subsequent BPD. Of these 79 patients, 8 (10%) failed to lose further weight and had their common channel shortened to 30 cm. Six patients were identified who, despite this revision surgery, still had a BMI > 35 kg/m(2) or %EWL < 50 and are considered failures. Two further patients failed to lose any weight after revision for what they saw as an unsatisfactory outcome. There was minimal evidence of malabsorption in these 8 patients, and 4 had slow intestinal transit down the alimentary limb of the BPD. CONCLUSION: The reasons for the failure of malabsorption and restrictive surgery in these patients appear to be physiological, not psychological. Uncontrolled hunger, particularly in the patients with FTLW, and an abnormally slow metabolism are likely to be important
— id: 72652, year: 2005, vol: 1, page: 573, stat: Journal Article,

A comparison of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion in superobesity
Dolan, Kevin; Hatzifotis, Michael; Newbury, Leyanne; Fielding, George
2004 Feb;14(2):165-169, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the best surgical treatment for superobesity (BMI >50 kg/m(2)), and a comparison of the 2 most commonly performed procedures in Europe, namely biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), has not yet been reported. METHODS: BPD has been performed in 134 morbidly obese patients since 1996, and as the primary bariatric procedure in 23 superobese patients. 23 sex-matched patients who most closely resembled the age and BMI of the 23 BPD patients were chosen from 1319 patients who had undergone LAGB since 1996. These groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: BPD was performed laparoscopically in 12 patients. Median excess weight loss at 24 months was 64.4% following BPD and 48.4% following LAGB. Hospital stay and complication rate were significantly greater with BPD, although the majority of complications were related to the laparotomy wound in patients undergoing open BPD. Rate of resolution of obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes mellitus following LAGB was similar to BPD. CONCLUSION: BPD results in significantly greater weight loss than LAGB in superobese patients, but is associated with a longer hospital stay and a higher complication rate in patients undergoing open BPD
— id: 72645, year: 2004, vol: 14, page: 165, stat: Journal Article,

A clinical and nutritional comparison of biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch
Dolan, Kevin; Hatzifotis, Michael; Newbury, Leyanne; Lowe, Nadine; Fielding, George
2004 Jul;240(1):51-56, Annals of surgery
OBJECTIVE: To compare biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) without duodenal switch (DS) and with duodenal switch (BPDDS). BACKGROUND: A reduction of 70% of excess body weight can be achieved after BPD, but there is a risk of malnutrition and diarrhea. This risk may be reduced by pyloric preservation with BPDDS. METHODS: BPD was performed until 1999, when BPDDS was introduced, both with a common channel of 50 cm. At their latest clinic visit, patients filled in a questionnaire regarding weight loss, dietary history, gastrointestinal symptoms, obesity-related comorbidity, and medication including dietary supplements and underwent a serum nutritional screen. RESULTS: BPD was performed in 73 patients and BPDDS in 61 patients, with a median preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 44.8 kg/m and a median follow-up of 28 months. There were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS with regards to age, sex, BMI, or morbidity. Median excess weight loss and BMI at 12, 24, and 36 months was 64.1, 71.0, and 72.1% and 33.1, 31.5, and 31.5 kg/m, respectively; there were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS. There were no significant differences between BPD and BPDDS with regards to meal size, fat score, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or nutritional parameters. However, 18% of patients were hypoalbuminemic, 32% anemic, 25% hypocalcemic, and almost half had low vitamin A, D, and K levels, despite more than 80% taking vitamin supplementation. CONCLUSION: DS does not improve weight loss or lessen the gastrointestinal or nutritional side effects of BPD
— id: 72643, year: 2004, vol: 240, page: 51, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy: surgical technique
O'Rourke, Nicholas; Fielding, George
2004 Feb;8(2):213-216, Journal of gastrointestinal surgery
The objective of this study was to demonstrate the safety of laparoscopic right hepatectomy for benign or malignant disease. Many reports document the success of minor or segmental liver resections performed laparoscopically. Major hepatic resection has rarely been reported. This report documents our experience with 12 laparoscopic right hepatectomies. Ten patients had suspected malignancy, but all had lesions well clear of the midplane of the liver. The surgery followed three distinct phases: (1). Portal dissection during which diathermy and harmonic shears are used, clips are applied to the right hepatic duct and right hepatic artery, and a vascular stapler is used to divide the right portal vein; (2). dissection of the vena cava, which is usually done by tunneling below the liver using harmonic shears, clips, and a linear stapler to divide the right hepatic vein; and (3). parenchymal division during which harmonic shears and multiple firings of linear staplers are used to divide the liver substance. In five patients the procedure was completed totally laparoscopically, five patients had a laparoscopic-assisted procedure, and two patients had to be converted to formal open hepatectomy. Four patients required blood transfusion. There were no deaths and two cases of major morbidity-bile leakage in one and wound dehiscence in one. The average hospital stay was 8 days, but for those whose operations were completed totally laparoscopically, 4 days was the average. Two of the nine patients with documented cancer have since died-one with widespread intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma and another with widespread metastatic melanoma after resection of a colorectal metastasis. Seven patients with colorectal cancer are alive and disease free with follow-up of 6 to 24 months. Laparoscopic right hepatectomy is feasible in selected patients. It is technically demanding but can be safely accomplished by surgeons who have experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures and open hepatic surgery
— id: 72644, year: 2004, vol: 8, page: 213, stat: Journal Article,

Combining gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion
Papadia, Francesco; Slater, Guy H; Fielding, George A
2004 Sep;14(8):1141-1142 reply 1142, Obesity surgery
— id: 72654, year: 2004, vol: 14, page: 1141, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable banding in pregnancy: safety, patient tolerance and effect on obesity-related pregnancy outcomes
Skull, A J; Slater, G H; Duncombe, J E; Fielding, G A
2004 Feb;14(2):230-235, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is increasingly recommended to women of reproductive age. For continued use, LAGB needs to be proven to be safe and well-tolerated during pregnancy. Maternal obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for gestational diabetes, maternal hypertension and is more likely to result in instrumental delivery or caesarean section. Weight control with the LAGB may reduce the incidence of these complications. METHODS: An observational study was conducted of the LAGB in pregnancy, including a study comparing outcomes of LAGB pregnancies with previous non-LAGB pregnancies. Women who had had successful LAGB pregnancies were identified from a computerized database. A telephone questionnaire was used to collect the additional outcome data needed and was administered by an independent medical practitioner. RESULTS: 49 LAGB and 31 previous non-LAGB pregnancies were included. 2 LAGBs (4%) required removal during pregnancy. Mean maternal weight gain was significantly reduced in the LAGB group, 3.7 kg vs 15.6 kg (P <0.0001), with no effect on fetal weight, 3.31 vs 3.53 kg, or neonatal complications, 4% and 3%. The incidence of gestational diabetes, 8 and 27% (P =0.048), and hypertension, 8 and 22.5% (P =0.06) was significantly reduced in the LAGB group. The overall complication rate during pregnancy for LAGB was 20.4% and 52% for non-LAGB (P =0.0037) CONCLUSION: LAGB is safe and well-tolerated during pregnancy with a lower incidence of gestational diabetes and maternal hypertension. LAGB can be safely recommended to morbidly obese women of childbearing age
— id: 45190, year: 2004, vol: 14, page: 230, stat: Journal Article,

Combining laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion after failed bariatric surgery
Slater, Guy H; Fielding, George A
2004 May;14(5):677-682, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: A percentage of all types of bariatric surgery will fail. Our experience with failed biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) as a primary operation or revision operation for failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) convinced us that uncontrolled hunger is often the underlying cause. To control hunger after failed bariatric surgery,a novel approach combining LAGB with BPD-duodenal switch (DS) has been tried. METHODS: Patients who had failed to lose weight after BPD or LAGB were considered in 2 groups. Group 1: patients who had failed LAGB underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS without sleeve gastrectomy, with the LAGB left in-situ. Group 2: patients who had failed primary (subgroup 2a) or revision (subgroup 2b) BPD had a LAGB placed with no other revision of their surgery. RESULTS: 11 patients have undergone this form of revision surgery with little morbidity. Mean age at the original operation was 45 years, mean (range) BMI was 45.3 (38-62) kg/m(2). After the reoperation, at 3 months (9 patients) mean BMI was 30 kg/m(2) and at 6 months (4 patients) mean BMI was 27 kg/m(2). CONCLUSION: In this small study, combination surgery was safe and effective for failed BPD or LAGB. LAGB failure may be best managed with DS malabsorption without gastric resection
— id: 45189, year: 2004, vol: 14, page: 677, stat: Journal Article,

Bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome after biliopancreatic diversion
Slater, Guy H; Kerlin, Paul; Georghiou, Paul R; Fielding, George A
2004 Jan;14(1):133-135, Obesity surgery
The bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome (BADAS), originally called the bowel bypass syndrome, and described after jejuno-ileal bypass, has subsequently been reported in association with inflammatory bowel disease and after gastric resection. BADAS has not been reported after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). This case report describes a 47-year-old female who presented with recurrent skin rashes and arthralgia after a BPD, consistent with a clinical diagnosis of BADAS which was confirmed by skin biopsy. To date, she has been managed with cyclical courses of antibiotics without reversal of her surgery.This syndrome may be under-diagnosed and is a condition with which bariatric surgeons should be familiar
— id: 45191, year: 2004, vol: 14, page: 133, stat: Journal Article,

Serum fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and abnormal calcium metabolism after malabsorptive bariatric surgery
Slater, Guy H; Ren, Christine J; Siegel, Niccole; Williams, Trudy; Barr, Di; Wolfe, Barrie; Dolan, Kevin; Fielding, George A
2004 Jan;8(1):48-55, Journal of gastrointestinal surgery
Weight loss after biliopancreatic diversion or duodenal switch is due to decreased calorie absorption secondary to fat malabsorption. Fat malabsorption may also cause essential fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, which may have severe clinical consequences and alter calcium metabolism. Serum vitamins A, D, E, and K, zinc, parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium, and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured in a cohort of patients who had previously undergone biliopancreatic diversion. Two bariatric surgery units were involved in the study: New York University School of Medicine (New York, NY), and the Wesley Medical Center (Brisbane, Australia). A total of 170 patients completed the study. The incidence of vitamin A deficiency was 69%, vitamin K deficiency 68%, and vitamin D deficiency 63% by the fourth year after surgery. The incidence of vitamin E and zinc deficiency did not increase with time after surgery. The incidence of hypocalcemia increased from 15% to 48% over the study period with a corresponding increase in serum parathyroid hormone values in 69% of patients in the fourth postoperative year. There is a progressive increase in the incidence and severity of hypovitaminemia A, D, and K with time after biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch. Calcium metabolism is affected with an increasing incidence of secondary hyperparathyrodisim and evidence of increased bone resorption in 3% of patients. Long-term nutritional monitoring is necessary after malabsorptive operations for morbid obesity
— id: 45193, year: 2004, vol: 8, page: 48, stat: Journal Article,

Treating diabetes in the morbidly obese by laparoscopic gastric banding
Dolan, Kevin; Bryant, Richard; Fielding, George
2003 Jun;13(3):439-443, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Remission of diabetes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been postulated to occur partly by bypass of the foregut. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) also reduces food intake but does not bypass the foregut, and its effects on diabetes have yet to be elucidated. METHODS: Patients with diabetes or a history of diabetes and >6 months follow-up after LAGB were studied. Follow-up was conducted separately by a surgeon with regard to weight loss and potential morbidity and by a physician with regard to diabetic control. RESULTS: 14 patients had had gestational diabetes, and diabetes was controlled by diet in 25, oral hypoglycemics in 38 and insulin in 11 patients. Reduction in body mass index (BMI) and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were similar in these 4 subgroups, with a median reduction in BMI of 11.7 kg/m(2) and %EWL of 51.1% at 24 months. 26 of 38 patients controlled with oral hypoglycemic medication and 6 of 11 insulin-dependent diabetics had all medication stopped at a median of 6.5 months following LAGB. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified %EWL > or = 30.6% at 6 months as the only significant predictor of remission of diabetes. Conclusion:Two-thirds of the diabetic patients have had remission of diabetes following LAGB. LAGB is an effective treatment for diabetes in obese patients
— id: 72650, year: 2003, vol: 13, page: 439, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic gastric banding in morbidly obese adolescents
Dolan, Kevin; Creighton, Lisa; Hopkins, George; Fielding, George
2003 Feb;13(1):101-104, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: 4% of adolescents in the U.S.A. are obese, 80% of whom will become obese adults. Obesity in adolescence is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in adulthood. Is laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding a safe and effective method of weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents? METHODS: Since 1996, data has been prospectively collected on all patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) by a single surgeon. Patients are reviewed at 6 and 12 weeks following surgery, then at 3 monthly intervals. Weight loss is measured in absolute terms, reduction in body mass index (BMI) and as percentage of excess weight loss. RESULTS: 17 patients with a median age of 17 (12 to 19) years underwent LAGB. Median follow-up was 25 (12 to 46) months. 2 complications occurred, 1 slipped band and 1 leaking port. BMI fell from a preoperative median of 44.7 to 30.2 kg/m2 at 24 months following surgery, corresponding to a median loss of 35.6 kg or 59.3% of excess weight. 13 of 17 patients (76.5%) lost at least 50% of their excess weight, and 9 of 11 patients (81.8%) had a BMI < 35 kg/m2 at 24 months following surgery. CONCLUSION: LAGB is a safe and effective method of weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents, at least in the medium term. Its role in preventing obesity and obesity-related disease in adulthood remains to be determined as part of our long-term study
— id: 72651, year: 2003, vol: 13, page: 101, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic gastric banding and crural repair in the obese patient with a hiatal hernia
Dolan, Kevin; Finch, Robert; Fielding, George
2003 Oct;13(5):772-775, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: A hiatal hernia is present in up to 50% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. It has been claimed that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) can both improve and induce reflux symptoms. The effect of a simultaneous crural repair and gastric banding has not yet been reported. METHODS: Since 1999, all patients undergoing LAGB have a simultaneous crural repair if a hiatal hernia is present. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and dysphagia were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the modified DeMeester symptom-scoring system and the use of anti-reflux medication. RESULTS: 62 patients with a hiatal hernia have undergone simultaneous LAGB and crural repair, with a median follow up of 14 (3-38) months. There was no mortality, and complications occurred in 3 patients, namely pulmonary embolus, slippage requiring repositioning of the band and persistent dysphagia requiring band removal. 24 months following LAGB and crural repair, median BMI had fallen from 43 to 31 kg/m2 and median excess weight loss was 53%. Modified DeMeester symptom-score fell from a preoperative median of 3 (0-5) to a postoperative median of 0 (0-2) (P < 0.01, Mann Whitney U), and the number of patients on anti-reflux medication decreased from 44 to 6 (P < 0.01, Chi-squared). CONCLUSION: Crural repair in addition to LAGB does not increase the risk of slippage or dysphagia, significantly improves reflux symptoms and decreases the need for anti-reflux medication
— id: 72647, year: 2003, vol: 13, page: 772, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for massive superobesity ( > 60 body mass index kg/m(2))
Fielding, G A
2003 Oct;17(10):1541-1545, Surgical endoscopy
Surgery for massive super obesity is a formidable challenge. No existing open or laparoscopic procedure reduces BMI below 30 from a starting point above 55. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been used to treat 76 massive super obese patients with a BMI > 60 kgs/m(2). Median weight was 193 kgs +/-34.7 kgs (154-335 kgs). Five patients had a BMI > 100 kgs/m(2). There was neither mortality nor pulmonary emboli. hospital stay was 3 days (1-6 days). Excess weight loss was 46.69 +/-10.5 at 1 year; 59.14 +/- 11.7% at 3 years and 61 +/- 15.1% at 5 years. At 2 years, 84% of the patients had greater than 50% excess weight loss and this was maintained at 3, 4, and 5 years. BMI fell from 69 +/- 6.2 to 49 +/- 7.73 at 1 year to 37 +/- 4.45 at 3 years and this was maintained at 4 and 5 years. BMI in 13 patients with > 5 year follow up was 35.09 +/- 53 kgs/m(2 ) (27-44). Weight loss with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in this group of massive super obese patients has been similar to all other surgical techniques with reduction of BMI from 69 to 33 kgs/m(2) at 3 years. The relative safety of the Lapband avoids bowel surgery in these very big patients, suggesting that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a valid surgical approach to these difficult patients
— id: 45194, year: 2003, vol: 17, page: 1541, stat: Journal Article,

Symptomatic vitamin A deficiency following biliopancreatic diversion
Hatizifotis, Michael; Dolan, Kevin; Newbury, Leanne; Fielding, George
2003 Aug;13(4):655-657, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is an effective operation for morbid obesity. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are known complications of this procedure, with incidence rates reported as high as 6%. Case Report: A-36-year old morbidly obese female with BMI 60.6 kg/m(2) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, followed 2 years later by BPD in an attempt to control her weight. Following BPD, she failed to attend outpatient appointments and was poorly compliant with daily multivitamins and monitoring of serum vitamin and mineral levels. She developed symptomatic vitamin A deficiency, with vitamin A levels <0.1 micromol/L, and night blindness, as well as deficiencies of vitamins D, E and K, zinc and selenium. Her vitamin deficiencies were corrected with appropriate supplements and her night blindness resolved. DISCUSSION: This case raises the issues of preoperative screening of patients and compliance, as well as life-long postoperative monitoring of serum vitamin and mineral levels. With better compliance with outpatient appointments, prescribed multivitamins and oral vitamin A tablets, as well as regular monitoring of serum vitamin and mineral levels, vitamin deficiencies and their consequences, such as night blindness, may be avoided
— id: 72648, year: 2003, vol: 13, page: 655, stat: Journal Article,

Calcium and vitamin D depletion and elevated parathyroid hormone following biliopancreatic diversion
Newbury, Leyanne; Dolan, Kevin; Hatzifotis, Michael; Low, Nadeen; Fielding, George
2003 Dec;13(6):893-895, Obesity surgery
BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is associated with a 70% excess weight loss (EWL) at 10 years, but there are concerns regarding long-term nutritional sequelae. Metabolic bone disease has been documented following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. METHODS: Patients who underwent a BPD from 1998 to 2001 were studied. A questionnaire was designed to review BPD patients and collect information on weight loss, frequency of gastrointestinal disturbances and compliance with multivitamin recommendations. The review included a blood test for vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium. RESULTS: Of the 82 patients who underwent BPD during this period, the median %EWL at 36 months was 73.0%. 75.6% suffered diarrhea. At median follow-up of 32 months (18-50), 25.9% of patients were hypocalcemic, 50% had low vitamin D, 23.8% had elevated ALP, and 63.1% had elevated PTH, despite 82.9% taking multivitamins. CONCLUSION: BPD results in significant weight loss. However, 1 in 4 patients are hypocalcemic, and 1 in 2 have a low vitamin D, despite multivitamin supplementation. BPD patients require routine calcium and vitamin D supplementation for life. Long-term sequelae from these abnormal serum levels are not known
— id: 72646, year: 2003, vol: 13, page: 893, stat: Journal Article,

Massive splenomegaly is associated with significant morbidity after laparoscopic splenectomy
Patel, Ameet G; Parker, Jane E; Wallwork, Ben; Kau, Keith B; Donaldson, Nora; Rhodes, Michael R; O'Rourke, Nicholas; Nathanson, Les; Fielding, George
2003 Aug;238(2):235-240, Annals of surgery
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of spleen weight on operative and clinical outcome in a series of 108 consecutive laparoscopic splenectomies. BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy as an alternative to open splenectomy for splenomegaly is regarded as controversial. METHODS: Patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for a range of hematological disorders between November 1992 and February 2000. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the effect of massive splenomegaly (>1000 g) on perioperative mortality and morbidity, after adjusting for the joint effects of patient age, weight, pre- and postoperative full blood counts, operating time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate, reoperation rate, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Massive splenomegaly was recorded in 27 of 108 (25%) cases. In this group, splenic weight ranged from 1000 to 4750 g (median, 2500 g). Patients with splenic weight >1000 g had a significantly longer median operating time (170 vs. 102 minutes, P < 0.01), conversion rate (5/27 vs. 4/81, P < 0.05), postoperative morbidity (15/27 vs. 4/81, P < 0.01), and median postoperative stay (5 vs. 3 days, P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis found splenic weight to be the most powerful predictor of morbidity (P < 0.01). Patients with splenomegaly (>1000 g) were 14 times likely to have post operative complications. One patient died 3 days after surgery, following a pulmonary embolus (spleen weight 500 g, mortality 1/108, 0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible in patients with giant spleens. However, it is associated with greater morbidity, and the advantages of minimal access surgery in this subgroup of patients are not so clear
— id: 72649, year: 2003, vol: 238, page: 235, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding [Lap-Band]
Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2003 Jan-Feb;60(1):30-33, Current surgery
— id: 45192, year: 2003, vol: 60, page: 30, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: surgical technique
Ren, Christine J; Fielding, George A
2003 Aug;13(4):257-263, Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Pt. A
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an effective and safe surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Initial experience with the Lap-Band system (Inamed Health, Santa Barbara, California) in the United States and Australia has demonstrated that surgical technique can affect outcomes in terms of weight loss, quality of life, and complication rates. Placement of the gastric band by means of the perigastric technique is associated with high rates of gastric prolapse, food intolerance, and weight loss failure that frequently lead to band explantation. In the pars flaccida technique, band placement higher on the stomach results in the formation of a smaller pouch and lower rates of gastric prolapse, which may contribute to greater weight loss and improved quality of life. This article describes the technical aspects of the pars flaccida approach in the laparoscopic placement of adjustable gastric bands
— id: 39030, year: 2003, vol: 13, page: 257, stat: Journal Article,

The poor quality of information about laparoscopy on the World Wide Web as indexed by popular search engines
Allen, J W; Finch, R J; Coleman, M G; Nathanson, L K; O'Rourke, N A; Fielding, G A
2002 Jan;16(1):170-172, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine the quality of information on the Internet regarding laparoscopy. METHODS: Four popular World Wide Web search engines were used with the key word 'laparoscopy.' Advertisements, patient- or physician-directed information, and controversial material were noted. RESULTS: A total of 14,030 Web pages were found, but only 104 were unique Web sites. The majority of the sites were duplicate pages, subpages within a main Web page, or dead links. Twenty-eight of the 104 pages had a medical product for sale, 26 were patient-directed, 23 were written by a physician or group of physicians, and six represented corporations. The remaining 21 were 'miscellaneous.' The 46 pages containing educational material were critically reviewed. At least one of the senior authors found that 32 of the pages contained controversial or misleading statements. All of the three senior authors (LKN, NAO, GAF) independently agreed that 17 of the 46 pages contained controversial information. CONCLUSION: The World Wide Web is not a reliable source for patient or physician information about laparoscopy. Authenticating medical information on the World Wide Web is a difficult task, and no government or surgical society has taken the lead in regulating what is presented as fact on the World Wide Web
— id: 45198, year: 2002, vol: 16, page: 170, stat: Journal Article,

Technical developments and a team approach leads to an improved outcome: lessons learnt implementing laparoscopic splenectomy
Fielding, George A
2002 Jul;72(7):459-459, ANZ journal of surgery
— id: 45197, year: 2002, vol: 72, page: 459, stat: Journal Article,

The case for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration
Fielding, George A
2002 ;9(6):723-728, Journal of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery
The modern surgeon's approach to choledocholithiasis depends his or her view of cholangiography. During the early 1990 there was a swing away from cholangiography, which had previously been common practice. This was because of perceptions of difficulty with the technique, the time it took, and perhaps an implied increase in costs because of the time factor. There was no evidence on which to base this decision. This led to a marked upswing in the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There were a large number of ERCPs with normal results performed prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This paper states the case for intraoperative cholangiography and common bile duct clearance at the time of cholecystectomy. It is hoped that this technique will be adopted so patients can undergo a single procedure to remove their gallstones and common bile duct stones if they exist and to decrease the incidence of normal preoperative ERCPs and the need for a second procedure postoperatively to clear stones if they are found
— id: 45195, year: 2002, vol: 9, page: 723, stat: Journal Article,

A step-by-step guide to placement of the LAP-BAND adjustable gastric banding system
Fielding, George A; Allen, Jeff W
2002 Dec;184(6B):26S-30S, American journal of surgery
The early promise of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was tempered by reports of high rates of gastric herniation or prolapse. These complications are a function of the operative technique used early on. At the time, in the early 1990s, the LAP-BAND device (INAMED Health, Santa Barbara, CA) was placed lower on the stomach, near the first short gastric vessel. The required perigastric dissection was difficult and variable in its extent, depending on the width of the stomach and where the surgeon began the dissection. To combat these problems, a new surgical method for placement of the band has evolved. Called the pars flaccida technique, it emphasizes minimal dissection and placement of the LAP-BAND out of the lesser sac. This leads to a higher position of the band, away from the body of the stomach. The technique serves to make band placement simple, safe, reproducible, and easily teachable, as well as to decrease the rate of gastric herniation or prolapse. Keeping the band out of the lesser sac, away from the peristalsing stomach, minimizing dissection of the attachments to the stomach, paying strict attention to gastric-to-gastric suturing, and leaving all fluid out of the band until at least 6 weeks after surgery appear to be the most important factors in reducing the incidence of this complication
— id: 45196, year: 2002, vol: 184, page: 26S, stat: Journal Article,

Treatment of non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma with autologous tumor-pulsed dendritic cells
Ladhams, Andrew; Schmidt, Chris; Sing, Garwin; Butterworth, Lesley; Fielding, George; Tesar, Paul; Strong, Russell; Leggett, Barbara; Powell, Lawrie; Maddern, Guy; Ellem, Kay; Cooksley, Graham
2002 Aug;17(8):889-896, Journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
BACKGROUND: The response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to therapy is often disappointing and new modalities of treatment are clearly needed. Active immunotherapy based on the injection of autologous dendritic cells (DC) co-cultured ex vivo with tumor antigens has been used in pilot studies in various malignancies such as melanoma and lymphoma with encouraging results. METHODS: In the present paper, the preparation and exposure of patient DC to autologous HCC antigens and re-injection in an attempt to elicit antitumor immune responses are described. RESULTS: Therapy was given to two patients, one with hepatitis C and one with hepatitis B, who had large, multiple HCC and for whom no other therapy was available. No significant side-effects were observed. The clinical course was unchanged in one patient, who died a few months later. The other patient, whose initial prognosis was considered poor, is still alive and well more than 3 years later with evidence of slowing of tumor growth based on organ imaging. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that HCC may be a malignancy worthy of DC trials and sufficient details in the present paper are given for the protocol to be copied or modified
— id: 72639, year: 2002, vol: 17, page: 889, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer: intermediate to long-term outcomes
Lumley, John; Stitz, Russell; Stevenson, Andrew; Fielding, George; Luck, Andrew
2002 Jul;45(7):867-872, Diseases of the colon & rectum
PURPOSE: Since 1991, a laparoscopic-assisted resection has been used at the Royal Brisbane Hospital selectively for patients with colorectal cancer. This article audits the intermediate to long-term postoperative complications and cancer follow-up data. METHODS: All patients undergoing a laparoscopic resection for cancer were prospectively followed up with regard to long-term outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one patients have been studied. One hundred fifty-four patients had potentially curative procedures performed in the study period. Median follow up was 71 (range, 7-108) months. The overall recurrence rate in this group was 6 percent (21 recurrences). There was one port site recurrence after a potentially curative procedure (0.6 percent) and one port site recurrence after a palliative resection. Perioperative mortality was 1 percent (2 patients). Only six patients suffered an adhesive small-bowel obstruction postoperatively. There was one incisional hernia. Unadjusted five-year median survival data for Australian Clinico-pathological Staging A was 91 percent (3.5 percent recurrence); for Australian Clinico-pathological Staging B, 83 percent (15 percent recurrence); and for Australian Clinico-pathological Staging C, 74 percent (26 percent recurrence). CONCLUSION: In selected patients a laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer produces acceptable intermediate to long-term oncologic outcomes and a low long-term complication rate
— id: 72655, year: 2002, vol: 45, page: 867, stat: Journal Article,

Lessons learned from laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity
Allen JW; Coleman MG; Fielding GA
2001 Jul;182(1):10-14, American journal of surgery
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric banding is a minimally invasive bariatric operation that is increasing in popularity at many centers worldwide. Although this procedure is not yet approved in the United States, clinical trials are ongoing. METHODS: We report our results of a 3-year follow-up on 60 patients who underwent the laparoscopic gastric band procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The procedure was performed at the Wesley Obesity Clinic in Brisbane, Australia. RESULTS: At follow-up, 51 of the 60 patients (85%) still had the laparoscopic gastric band in place. All of the patients had a lower body weight after undergoing the procedure. The average weight loss was 39 kg (range 2 to 98 kg), representing a loss of 65% of average excess body weight. Twenty-five of 51 patients (49%) regained some weight after their initial loss, but the average amount was only 5 kg. The remaining 26 patients have remained at their lowest body weight recorded after the procedure or are continuing to lose weight. There was no operative mortality. Complications predominantly were caused by band slippage (21%), which has been nearly eliminated in recent practice (1 slip in the last 225 cases). Subsequent modifications in the technique to prevent band slippage included placing the band near the level of the esophagus, with minimal disruption of the posterior gastric attachments and diligent suturing of the band in place. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the laparoscopic gastric band is effective in short- and long-term weight loss. The high rate of reoperation for repositioning has been avoided in current practice
— id: 45199, year: 2001, vol: 182, page: 10, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity. Surgical outcome in 335 cases
Fielding GA; Rhodes M; Nathanson LK
1999 Jun;13(6):550-554, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity occurs in 2-5% of the population of Europe, Australia, and the United States and is becoming more common. Open surgical techniques, such as vertical banded gastroplasty and other divisional procedures in the stomach, have led to long-term weight reduction as well as an amelioration of the attendant medical problems in approximately two-thirds of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 335 patients with a median age of 41 years underwent gastric banding. We emphasized the need for long-term maintenance and follow-up. The indications for surgery comprised a body mass index >35, a stated desire to undergo the procedure, and a full understanding of all possible complications. RESULTS: All patients have needed band adjustments of 1-4 ml over the course of their follow-up. No patient had increased his or her weight during the follow-up, and only three patients have not enjoyed sustained weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastric banding has much to recommend it. Certainly in the short term, its results in terms of effectiveness of weight loss are at least as good as those of any open procedure. Longer follow-up will show whether this weight loss is maintainable. The procedure is technically demanding, and the major prerequisite of satisfactory performance of this surgery is laparoscopic experience
— id: 45200, year: 1999, vol: 13, page: 550, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopically assisted anterior resection for diverticular disease: follow-up of 100 consecutive patients
Stevenson AR; Stitz RW; Lumley JW; Fielding GA
1998 Mar;227(3):335-342, Annals of surgery
PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to refine the technique of laparoscopically assisted anterior resection (LAR) for diverticular disease and to analyze the morbidity and mortality rates, and longer term follow-up of the first 100 consecutive patients. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively, and follow-up was performed by an independent assessor using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The median duration of surgery was 180 minutes, the median time for passage of flatus was 2 days after surgery, and the median length of hospital stay was 4 days. Overall, the morbidity rate was 21%, and the wound infection rate was 5%. There were no deaths. Eight patients underwent open laparotomy. The rate of complications was significantly greater in the latter group of patients (75%) than in those who underwent laparoscopy (16%, p = 0.002). The comparison between the first 20 cases and the last 20 patients revealed a significantly shorter duration of surgery (median 225 min. vs. 150 min.; p < 0.0001) and decreased length of stay (6 days vs. 4 days, p < 0.0001). Apart from a nonsignificant increase in the length of surgery, there were no differences in other study parameters when comparisons were made between those patients who underwent LAR for complicated diverticular disease and those patients who underwent uncomplicated diverticular disease. FOLLOW-UP: Ninety patients were available for follow-up at a median time of 37 months. Ninety-three percent of the patients reported that the surgery had improved their symptoms. No patient required hospitalization, and no one was treated with antibiotics for recurrent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopically assisted anterior resection for diverticular disease has acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and a median postoperative hospital stay of only 4 days. Follow-up investigations revealed no recurrence of diverticulitis, and patients reported satisfaction regarding cosmetic and functional results
— id: 45201, year: 1998, vol: 227, page: 335, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic colectomy
Fielding GA; Lumley J; Nathanson L; Hewitt P; Rhodes M; Stitz R
1997 Jul;11(7):745-749, Surgical endoscopy
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colectomy has developed with the explosion of technology that has followed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Accumulation of skills in general laparoscopic surgery has made complex surgery, such as colectomy, feasible. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-nine laparoscopic cases were prospectively studied. Data has been kept on benign and malignant cases, operative results, hospital stay, and morbidity. Special care has been taken to follow malignant cases, looking for recurrence of disease. RESULTS: There were 359 cases (206 females, 153 male) average age 58.8 years (18-94), and 149 patients had malignancy. All types of resections were performed, including 151 anterior resections, 66 right hemicolectomies (RHC), 36 total colectomies, and 22 rectopexies. Operating times fell with experience-the last 20 cases of anterior resection took 150 min (110-240) and of RHC took 130 min (65-210). Twenty-six (7%) cases were converted to open surgery. Hospital stays for anterior resection lasted 5-7 days (2-33); in the last 20 cases the average stay was 4 days. Morbidity included seven leaks (2.7%), four strictures (1.2%), 12 wound infections (3.3%), and nine ileus (2.5%). There were six deaths within 30 days-sepsis, myocardial infarction, aspiration pneumonia, and disseminated liver metastases. One hundred forty-nine cancer cases have had ten recurrences: one pelvic recurrence, six liver metastases, two para-aortic nodal, and one case of disseminated disease. Average time of recurrence was 33 months (15-46 months). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons is a safe, efficient procedure. All types of procedures are possible. Early results in 149 malignancies are encouraging and recurrence rates are low. Prospective studies, now that skills are developed to a level comparable to that of open surgery, are now being performed to further assess laparoscopy's possible role in treating cancer
— id: 45202, year: 1997, vol: 11, page: 745, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery. Lessons learned from 240 consecutive patients
Lumley JW; Fielding GA; Rhodes M; Nathanson LK; Siu S; Stitz RW
1996 Feb;39(2):155-159, Diseases of the colon & rectum
PURPOSE: To audit the development and outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. METHODS: Since July 1991, laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for benign and malignant colorectal disease has been performed on more than 300 patients at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. This paper summarizes the outcome for the first 240 patients who underwent a laparoscopic colorectal procedure. All laparoscopic data were collected prospectively, and for selected studies, data were compared with open surgical controls. RESULTS: Nineteen patients required open conversion (7.9 percent). There was a significant decrease in wound infection rates in patients having a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (3.6 percent) compared with historical controls (7.9 percent) (P < 0.05; chi-squared). There were five anastomotic leaks, five laparotomies for postoperative adhesive obstruction, and four perioperative deaths. A total of 103 patients had a procedure for colorectal cancer. Of the 79 potentially curative procedures, there have been 5 (6.3 percent) recurrences to date. CONCLUSION: The overall morbidity and mortality in this series seem to be acceptable compared with that of open procedures
— id: 45203, year: 1996, vol: 39, page: 155, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic mesh repair of recurrent inguinal hernia
White SI; O'Rourke N; Fielding GA
1996 Feb;66(2):91-93, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
BACKGROUND: Pre-peritoneal mesh repair has been a long-standing technique for recurrent hernias. Laparoscopic technique has been applied to this operation with the aim of assessing its results at early follow up of 1 year. METHODS: The outcome in 56 patients was reviewed and all patients contacted 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: There was one immediate failure at 1 week, needing a further operation. There were no other recurrences at 1 year. Ten patients had minor postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: At early follow up, this is a satisfactory technique for recurrent hernias
— id: 45204, year: 1996, vol: 66, page: 91, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
Fielding GA
1995 May;65(5):304-307, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
Between March 1991 and May 1994, 444 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs were undertaken in 375 patients: 386 transperitoneal and 58 extraperitoneal. During a follow-up period of 20.5 months (range 1-38) there have been three recurrences at 6, 7 and 12 months, all direct and all after transperitoneal repair. A total of 52 patients were treated as a day case (< 6 h), 317 patients spent less than 24 h in hospital and four patients were discharged on the second postoperative day. Operating time for transperitoneal hernia repair was 27 min (range 10-68) and extraperitoneal repair, 29 min (range 11-48). Short-term complications occurred in 18 patients: six haematomas, four seromas, one urinary retention and seven suffered persistent groin pain. Six patients have had neuralgia, three have had mesh removed and three further patients had individual clips removed from within the inguinal canal. There have been two adhesive small bowel obstructions. The first occurred 2 months after laparoscopic surgery and required laparotomy; the second occurred 2 years after surgery and had laparoscopic division of an adhesive band to a pelvic staple. There was one infected lymphocoele treated percutaneously
— id: 45205, year: 1995, vol: 65, page: 304, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy
Fielding GA
1995 Jan;65(1):58-59, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
— id: 45206, year: 1995, vol: 65, page: 58, stat: Journal Article,

Necrotizing pancreatitis: operating for life
Miller BJ; Henderson A; Strong RW; Fielding GA; DiMarco AM; O'Loughlin BS
1994 Nov-Dec;18(6):906-910, World journal of surgery
Infected necrotizing pancreatitis is the most fulminant variety of this disease. Colonic involvement and retroperitoneal fasciitis are particularly lethal. The reported mortality is up to 50%. The purpose of this study is to review our combined experience at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, to determine whether patient survival was related to a particular etiology, treatment, or complication. All patients treated since 1986 with infected pancreatitis who required surgical necrosectomy and then ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) were studied. There were 48 patients so managed. The median age of survivors was 52 years, and for those who died it was 64 years (p = 0.001). The etiology was gallstones in 22 and alcoholism in 12. Of the alcoholics, 11 survived and 1 died. Of the patients with gallstones, 13 survived and 9 died. There was an overall mortality of 31%. Survivors were in hospital for a median of 73 days, whereas deaths occurred after a median of 35 days (p = 0.04). Seven patients underwent hemofiltration; five survived, and two died. N-Acetylcysteine has been used in four patients, of whom three survived and one died. The abdomen was left open in 38 patients and kept closed in 10. Although Ranson's criteria at admission to the ICU did not predict survival, it was found that the median APACHE II score in survivors was significantly lower than in those who died (p = 0.025).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
— id: 45207, year: 1994, vol: 18, page: 906, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration
Fielding GA; O'Rourke NA
1993 Feb;63(2):113-115, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
Twenty-one patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration during a 9 month period. Ten had stones flushed after ampullary dilatation. Seven had stones removed with a Dormier basket and one had direct common duct incision with T-tube insertion. Three failed attempted stone flushing and had stones removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy. Operating time ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 h. Nineteen patients were discharged by the second postoperative day. This early experience with laparoscopic stone removal is encouraging, reducing the need for pre-operative or postoperative ERCP
— id: 45208, year: 1993, vol: 63, page: 113, stat: Journal Article,

The role of ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
O'Rourke NA; Askew AR; Cowen AE; Roberts R; Fielding GA
1993 Jan;63(1):3-7, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has led to some controversy regarding the best method of managing bile duct calculi. This paper reviews the cases of 38 patients who underwent LC and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), from a series of 600 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Twenty-nine patients had ERCP performed pre-operatively because of suspicion of choledocholithiasis. Duct stones were confirmed in eight patients. Recent or current jaundice was the best predictor of bile duct stones. Nine patients had ERCP done postoperatively because of duct stones seen on operative cholangiography. In two patients bile duct cannulation was not possible and a third procedure, open duct exploration, was necessary. Techniques in laparoscopic management of duct stones are improving and the role of ERCP and sphincterotomy should be limited to jaundiced patients or those with proven bile duct stones in whom laparoscopic procedures have been unsuccessful
— id: 45209, year: 1993, vol: 63, page: 3, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Fielding GA
1992 Mar;62(3):181-187, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
A consecutive series of 220 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (June 1990 to May 1991) is presented. These were the author's initial experience of the technique. Procedures were elective (205) and acute (15), including 3 gangrenous cholecystitis and 4 empyema. There were 166 females and 34 males, 12-75 years, weighing 44-115 kg. Forty-eight patients had prior abdominal surgery. Two hundred and eleven patients had successful laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 6 open cholecystectomies and 3 mini-laparotomies to remove split stones. None of the last 120 cases were opened. Operating time ranged from 20 min to 3 h 20 min. There were 4 serious complications: 2 bile leaks from the gall-bladder bed and 2 jejunal injuries (Veres needle and 5 mm trocar). Sixty-one patients were discharged the next day, 29 on day 2, 5 on day 3, 4 on day 4, 1 on day 5, 1 on day 22 and 1 on day 27. At two weeks follow-up all but 2 patients had fully recovered
— id: 45211, year: 1992, vol: 62, page: 181, stat: Journal Article,

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis
O'Rourke NA; Fielding GA
1992 Dec;62(12):944-946, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
Sixty-eight cases of acute cholecystitis managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are reviewed. Thirty-two patients were admitted up to 10 days after onset of symptoms and 31 were completed by LC. One patient was referred from intensive care with gangrenous acalculus cholecystitis and was completed by LC but required subsequent laparotomy to control a bleeding omental vessel. Five patients were admitted with recurrent attacks of pain and histology confirmed resolving acute cholecystitis. Thirty patients had LC on routine operating lists, having recently had pain within 10 days of admission. Histology confirmed acute cholecystitis or resolving acute cholecystitis in these patients. All were completed by LC. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very effective treatment for acute cholecystitis if complete dissection of anatomy can be performed
— id: 45210, year: 1992, vol: 62, page: 944, stat: Journal Article,

Use of Mersilene mesh and a zip in the management of severe intra-abdominal sepsis
Askew AR; Fielding GA
1991 Feb;36(1):60-60, Journal of the Royal College of surgeons of Edinburgh
— id: 45213, year: 1991, vol: 36, page: 60, stat: Journal Article,

A case of severe pancreatitis with parathyroid adenoma
Maddern GJ; Fielding GA; Knaus JP; Zingg E; Blumgart LH
1991 May;61(5):396-398, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
— id: 45212, year: 1991, vol: 61, page: 396, stat: Journal Article,

Acute pancreatitis and pancreatic fistula formation
Fielding GA; McLatchie GR; Wilson C; Imrie CW; Carter DC
1989 Nov;76(11):1126-1128, British journal of surgery
The cause, management and outcome of 23 patients with a pancreatic fistula following acute pancreatitis are reviewed. Nineteen patients developed an external fistula following necrosectomy or drainage of a pancreatic abscess or pseudocyst; four of these patients died. In the 15 survivors spontaneous closure occurred in 11 cases with low output fistulae; operative intervention was needed in the four cases with high output fistulae. Four patients with internal fistulae had not undergone previous surgery; two of them had a pancreaticopleural fistula with associated pancreaticogastric fistulae, while two had pancreatic ascites. All four of these patients required surgical intervention and one died
— id: 45214, year: 1989, vol: 76, page: 1126, stat: Journal Article,

Management of gallstone pancreatitis
Fielding GA; Mok F; Wilson C; Imrie CW; Carter DC
1989 Oct;59(10):775-781, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
The clinical course of 143 patients with gallstone pancreatitis is reviewed. Thirty-one patients (22%) had three or more positive prognostic factors on admission and 24 (77%) of these had a complicated course. Thirteen patients died, giving an overall mortality rate of 9%. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of performance and timing of surgery. In group 1 (n = 56), surgery was undertaken during the first admission with acute pancreatitis; eight of these patients had a complicated course and three died. In group 2 (n = 40), biliary surgery was deferred to a subsequent admission; none of these patients died but 10 experienced further attacks of pancreatitis while awaiting reoperation. Group 3 patients (n = 47) did not undergo surgery; nine patients were diagnosed as having gallstone pancreatitis for the first time at autopsy, five refused operation, seven were lost to follow-up, six were dealt with by endoscopic sphincterotomy, and in 20 cases surgery was not considered appropriate because of general debility or advanced age. Despite the zero mortality rate in group 2, it is advocated that biliary surgery be carried out during the index hospital admission. Endoscopic sphincterotomy can now be considered as an alternative to cholecystectomy and duct clearance in the elderly and unfit, and may be used as a preliminary manoeuvre when severe acute pancreatitis fails to settle promptly on conservative management
— id: 45215, year: 1989, vol: 59, page: 775, stat: Journal Article,

Two cases of pseudo-aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery
Fielding GA; Egerton WS
1988 Aug;58(8):671-673, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
Pseudo-aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery is a rare cause of bleeding-complicated pancreatitis. The use of computerized tomography and angiography lead to early diagnosis. The key to surgical treatment is arterial inflow occlusion prior to opening the aneurysm
— id: 45217, year: 1988, vol: 58, page: 671, stat: Journal Article,

Treatment of pancreatic fistula
Fielding GA; Garden OJ; Carter DC
1988 Oct;75(10):1044-1044, British journal of surgery
— id: 45216, year: 1988, vol: 75, page: 1044, stat: Journal Article,

Homograft skin banking--current practices and future trends
Fielding GA; Pegg SP
1988 Feb;58(2):153-156, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
Homograft skin remains a very successful technique for covering major burns. This paper reviews current techniques of harvesting, microbiological testing, freezing and thawing of the skin, that lead to its optimal use. Recent advances, especially the use of homograft skin in combination with split skin and skin cultures, will add to the effectiveness of homograft skin application
— id: 45218, year: 1988, vol: 58, page: 153, stat: Journal Article,

Skin necrosis secondary to meningococcal septicaemia in an adult
Fielding GA; Jenkins AM
1987 Jan;57(1):57-60, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
A case of skin loss after meningococcal septicaemia is presented. This is a rare condition in adults and occurs after very severe infections. The skin loss is due to vasculitis, resulting from a combination of direct infection of the skin by Neisseria meningitidis, and an immunological reaction. Secondary infection frequently occurs under the eschar. Skin loss is treated by debridement and delayed split skin grafting
— id: 45220, year: 1987, vol: 57, page: 57, stat: Journal Article,

Stapled marlex mesh abdominal closure for repeat laparotomy in pancreatic disease
Fielding GA; Lewandowski R; Askew AR; Wall D
1987 Oct;57(10):767-770, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
A series of seven cases of severe pancreatic disease have been managed by repeat laparotomy for debridement of necrotizing pancreatitis, drainage of abscesses or control of haemorrhage with stapled marlex mesh closure of the abdominal wall. The use of a stapled marlex mesh at first laparotomy provides for safe, expedient relaparotomy until sepsis or haemorrhage is controlled
— id: 45219, year: 1987, vol: 57, page: 767, stat: Journal Article,

Blunt arterial injury
Fielding GA
1986 Feb;56(2):141-145, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
A 5 year retrospective review of blunt arterial injuries at the Royal Brisbane Hospital revealed that delay in diagnosis had catastrophic effects on limb survival. Only 17 of 23 patients with arterial injury were diagnosed at the time of admission. No record of symptoms of limb ischaemia was made in 13 patients and no signs recorded in five. Eight limbs required amputation. Improved results should follow more accurate diagnosis at the time of admission
— id: 45222, year: 1986, vol: 56, page: 141, stat: Journal Article,

Spontaneous neonatal renal vein thrombosis
Fielding GA; Masel J; Leditschke JF
1986 Jun;56(6):485-488, Australian & New Zealand journal of surgery
A case of spontaneous neonatal renal vein thrombosis is presented. A 1 week old, 36 week gestation, male child presented with gross haematuria and a large right flank mass. Investigations including intravenous pyelogram, ultrasound and venacavogram indicated the diagnosis. The child was clinically well, with normal renal and clotting function. No predisposing cause could be found. A conservative approach to treatment was undertaken in view of the normal renal function, and no evidence of consumptive coagulopathy or pulmonary emboli. The child remains well, but may require nephrectomy in the future
— id: 45221, year: 1986, vol: 56, page: 485, stat: Journal Article,