We aim to review the available literature on obese patients treated with bariatric procedures, in order to assess their effect on the metabolic and gut microbiota profiles. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-two studies (562 patients) met the inclusion criteria. This study points to significant amelioration of postoperative levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, HOMA-IR, food intake, and diabetes remission. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) decreased, while trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO); glucagon-like peptide 1, 2 (GLP-1, GLP-2); and peptide YY (PYY) increased postoperatively. Postoperative gut microbiota was similar to that of lean and less obese objects. Well-designed randomized trials are necessary to further assess the host metabolic-microbial cross-talk after bariatric procedures.

The present study indicates that the intraoperative use of ECMO is associated with increased efficacy and safety, regarding short-term outcomes, compared to CPB. Well-designed, randomized studies, comparing ECMO to CPB, are necessary to assess their clinical outcomes further.

We aim to review the available literature on obese patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in order to prevent gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria incorporating 1355 patients. Random-effects meta-analysis showed a lower incidence of gallstone formation in patients taking UDCA. Subgroup analysis reported fewer cases of gallstone disease in the UDCA group in relation to different bariatric procedures, doses of administered UDCA, and time from bariatric surgery. Adverse events were similar in both groups. Fewer patients required cholecystectomy in UDCA group. No deaths were reported. The administration of UDCA after bariatric surgery seems to prevent gallstone formation.

We aim to review the available literature on morbidly obese patients treated with one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in order to compare the clinical outcomes of the two methods. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria (7452 patients). OAGB was associated with shorter mean operative time. The length of hospital stay was comparable between the two procedures. The incidence of leaks, marginal ulcer, dumping, bowel obstruction, revisions and mortality was similar between the two approaches. The incidence of malnutrition was increased in patients treated with OAGB, while the incidence of internal hernia and bowel obstruction was greater in the RYGB group. In addition, the percentage excess weight loss at 1, 2 and 5 years post-operatively was greater for the OAGB group. The rate of type 2 diabetes remission was greater in the OAGB group. The rate of hypertension and dyslipidemia remission was also similar between OAGB and RYGB. Randomized controlled trials, comparing RYGB to OAGB, are necessary to further assess their clinical outcomes.

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