Introduction Obesity is a known risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Obese patients routinely undergo preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) before bariatric procedures. We aimed to assess the prevalence of BE in this patient population. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search ending in March 2019. Search results were imported into covidence.org and screened by two independent reviewers. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 and Q statistics and publication bias using funnel plots and the Orwin fail-safe test. Random-effects modeling was used in all analyses. Results Of 4087 citations, 77 were reviewed in full text and 29 were included in the final analysis based on our predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 13 434 patients underwent pre-bariatric surgery EGD. The pooled prevalence of BE using random-effects modeling was 0.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.7 % – 1.3 %); P < 0.001; I 2 = 58 %, Q = 67). In meta-regression analyses, controlling for sex and GERD, we found a positive association between mean body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of BE (β = 0.15 [95 %CI 0.02 – 0.28]; P = 0.03). A linear relationship between the prevalence of BE and the prevalence of GERD was also noted (β = 3.9 [95 %CI 0.4 – 7.5]; P = 0.03). Conclusions Obesity has been postulated as a major risk factor for BE, yet we found that the prevalence of BE in morbidly obese patients undergoing preoperative EGD was very low. Therefore, obesity alone may not be a major risk factor for BE.

This article aims to describe the early experience of a large major trauma operating theatres department in the East of England during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To date and to our knowledge, a small amount of reports describing a surgical department’s response to this unprecedented pandemic have been published, but a well-documented account from within the United Kingdom (UK) has not yet been reported in the literature. We describe our preparation and response, including: operating theatres management during the COVID-19 pandemic, operational aspects and communication, leadership and support. The process review of measures presented covers approximately the two-month period between March and May 2020 and emphasises the fluidity of procedures needed. We discuss how significant challenges were overcome to secure implementation and reliable oversight. The visible presence of clinical leads well sighted on every aspect of the response guaranteed standardisation of procedures, while sustaining a vital feedback loop. Finally, we conclude that an effective response requires rapid analysis of the complex problem that is of providing care for patients intraoperatively during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that retrospective sense-making is essential to maintain adaptability.

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