Novel subtype of obesity influencing the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy:Familial aggregation of obesity

BACKGROUND Differences in the preoperative characteristics and weight loss outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy(SG)between patients with familial aggregation of obesity(FAO)and patients with sporadic obesity(SO)have not been elucidated.AIM To explore the impact of SG on weight loss and the alleviation of obesity-related comorbidities in individuals with FAO.METHODS A total of 193 patients with obesity who underwent SG were selected.Patients with FAO/SO were matched 1:1 by propensity score matching and were categorized into 4 groups based on the number of first-degree relatives with obesity(1 SO vs 1FAO,2SO vs 2FAO).The baseline characteristics,weight loss outcomes,prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities and incidence of major surgeryrelated complications were compared between groups.RESULTS We defined FAO as the presence of two or more first-degree relatives with obesity.Patients with FAO did not initially show significant differences in baseline data,short-term postoperative weight loss,or obesity-related comorbidities when compared to patients with SO preoperatively.However,distinctions between the two groups became evident at the two-year mark,with statistically significant differences in both percentage of total weight loss(P=0.006)and percentage of excess weight loss(P<0.001).The FAO group exhibited weaker remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)(P=0.031),hyperlipidemia(P=0.012),and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)(P=0.003)as well as a lower incidence of acid reflux(P=0.038).CONCLUSION FAO patients is associated with decreased mid-to-long-term weight loss outcomes;the alleviation of T2DM,hyperlipidemia and NAFLD;and decreased incidence of acid reflux postoperatively.

Functional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (F-RYGB), with Preservation of Duodenal Access: Report of Two Revisional Cases of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Objective: This case report aimed to demonstrate a possible neuromuscular effect of Latarjet nerves transection or truncal vagotomy, in association with sleeve gastrectomy plus antrojejunostomy, in order to reproduce a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) mechanistic principles, in patients with previous Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) who had had weight regain, with or without concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently performed bariatric operations worldwide. Nevertheless, weight regain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been consistently demonstrated, in association with this technique, which may require a revisional procedure. RYGB is an option in such a situation but, implies in gastrointestinal exclusions, which represents a shortcoming of this revision. Surpassing this inconvenient would be of great value for the patients. Methods: We describe herein two cases of SG revision for weight regain and GERD, with a follow-up of one year. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was evaluated by validated questionnaire, upper endoscopy, seriography, high resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance pHmetry (I-pHmetry), in the pre and postoperative periods. A re-Sleeve Gastrectomy with antrojejunal anastomosis was done in both cases, after informed consents. The Latarjet nerves were transected in one case, due to a bleeding in the left gastric vessels and a truncal vagotomy was required in the other, to appropriately treat an associated hiatal hernia. Results: In the postoperative evaluation it was observed a pyloric spasm in both cases, during seriography and endoscopy, kept until the one-year follow-up. There was unidirectional contrast flow to the gastrointestinal anastomosis, filling the jejunal limb, in radiologic contrast study. No contrast passed through the pylorus. Nonetheless, the duodenum was kept endoscopically accessible. In the one-year evaluation, weight loss was adequate and GERD resolution was obtained in both cases, confirmed by endoscopic and functional esophageal assessment, together with symptoms questionnaire. Conclusion: The association of Latarjet nerves sectioning or truncal vagotomy with re-sleeve gastrectomy plus gastrointestinal anastomosis (antrojejunal), in a revision for a failed sleeve, can represent a technical approach, to reproduce RYGB results, without exclusions and with duodenum endoscopic accessibility maintenance. It maybe could be applied for primary surgeries. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Association between operative position and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat morbid obesity,and postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)is one of the common complications after bariatric surgery.At present,the mechanism of the high incidence of PONV after weight-loss surgery has not been clearly explained,and this study aims to investigate the effect of surgical position on PONV in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.AIM To explore the effect of the operative position during bariatric surgery on PONV.METHODS Data from obese patients,who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)in the authors’hospital between June 2020 and February 2022 were divided into 2 groups and retrospectively analyzed.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and the t-test were used to study the influence of operative position on PONV.RESULTS There were 15 cases of PONV in the supine split-leg group(incidence rate,50%)and 11 in the supine group(incidence rate,36.7%)(P=0.297).The mean operative duration in the supine split-leg group was 168.23±46.24 minutes and 140.60±32.256 minutes in the supine group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that operative position was not an independent risk factor for PONV(odds ratio=1.192,95%confidence interval:0.376-3.778,P=0.766).CONCLUSION Operative position during LSG may affect PONV;however,the difference in the incidence of PONV was not statistically significant.Operative position should be carefully considered for obese patients before surgery.

Research on Sleeve Grouting Density Detection Based on the Impact Echo Method

Grouting defects are an inherent challenge in construction practices,exerting a considerable impact on the operational structural integrity of connections.This investigation employed the impact-echo technique for the detection of grouting anomalies within connections,enhancing its precision through the integration of wavelet packet energy principles for damage identification purposes.A series of grouting completeness assessments were meticulously conducted,taking into account variables such as the divergent material properties of the sleeves and the configuration of adjacent reinforcement.The findings revealed that:(i)the energy distribution for the highstrength concrete cohort predominantly occupied the frequency bands 42,44,45,and 47,whereas for other groups,it was concentrated within the 37 to 40 frequency band;(ii)the delineation of empty sleeves was effectively discernible by examining the wavelet packet energy ratios across the spectrum of frequencies,albeit distinguishing between sleeves with 50%and full grouting density proved challenging;and(iii)the wavelet packet energy analysis yielded variable detection outcomes contingent on the material attributes of the sleeves,demonstrating heightened sensitivity when applied to ultrahigh-performance concrete matrices and GFRP-reinforced steel bars.

Left lower lobe sleeve resection for the clear cell variant of pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma(PMEC)is a rare malignancy that arises from minor salivary glands within the tracheobronchial tree.The clear cell variant of PMEC is exceptionally uncommon and presents notable diagnostic challenges,primarily attributable to its morphological similarity to other tumors containing clear cells.CASE SUMMARY A 22-year-old male,formerly in good health,came in with a two-month duration of persistent cough and production of sputum.Subsequent imaging and bronchoscopy examinations revealed a 2 cm tumor in the distal left main bronchus,which resulted in complete atelectasis of the left lung.Further assessment via positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans and endoscopic biopsy confirmed the primary malignant nature of the tumor,charac-terized by clear cell morphology in most of the tumor cells.The patient underwent a left lower lobe sleeve resection accompanied by systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection.Molecular pathology analysis subsequently revealed a CRTC3-MAML2 gene fusion,leading to a definitive pathological diagnosis of the clear cell variant of PMEC,staged as T2N0M0.After surgery,the patient experienced a smooth recovery and exhibited no signs of recurrence during the one-and-a-half-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION This article describes an unusual case of a clear cell variant of PMEC characterized by the presence of a CRTC3-MAML2 gene fusion in a 22-year-old male.The patient underwent successful left lower lobe sleeve resection.This case underscores the distinctive challenges associated with diagnosing and treating this uncommon malignancy,underscoring the importance of precise diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.

Infusa Sleeve导管血管内局部给药的实验研究

目的：评价ＩｎｆｕｓａＳｌｅｅｖｅ（ＩＳ）导管局部给药的可行性。方法：１３只家兔随机分成Ａ组（ｎ＝８）和Ｂ组（ｎ＝５），给药压力分别为６０７．９ｋＰａ（６个标准大气压）（Ａ组）和２０２．６ｋＰａ（２个标准大气压）（Ｂ组），用标准血管成形导管损伤腹主动脉下端后，经ＩＳ导管向腹主动脉下端球囊损伤处局部注入１ｍｌ放射性同位素锝标记的甲氧基异丁基异腈（９９ｍＴｃ－ＭＩＢＩ）注射液。术后３０分钟、６小时、２４小时分别处死动物后，取两组动物靶点血管（腹主动脉下端）、心、肝、骨骼肌、小肠、血液、非靶点血管（肺动脉）组织，用γ计数仪计数后称组织重量。结果：Ａ组和Ｂ组给药后３０分钟靶点血管局部的放射强度分别占给药总量的４９．２５０％和２２．０００％、分别是血液的４５倍和８倍、是非靶点血管的７０倍和１２倍。靶点血管局部放射强度Ａ组大于Ｂ组（Ｐ＜０．０５）。６小时和２４小时后靶点血管局部放射强度占给药总量的０．３４３％（Ａ组）和０．２５５％（Ａ组）。结论：ＩＳ导管可经血管局部靶向给药。ＩＳ导管局部导入的药物浓度呈压力依赖性。

Research and Design of Sleeve Detach and Reunion Drive Mechanism of Screw Melt Extruder Equipment

The design of sleeve detach and reunion drive device of screw melt ex- truder equipment was optimized, based on the present installation of hygraulic drive device to achieve the mechanical opening and closing of the sleeve, the dynamic model of the sleeve detach and reunion drive was theoretically measured, and it was verified that the device is simple to operate and convenient to maintain, thus it has great social values.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastroesophageal reflux

Bariatric surgery is the only effective procedure that provides long-term sustained weight loss. Sleeve gastrectomy(SG) has emerged over the last few years to be an ideal bariatric procedure because it has several advantages compared to more complex bariatric procedures,including avoiding an intestinal bypass. However,several published follow-up studies report an increased rate of gastroesophageal reflux(GERD) after a SG. GERD is described as either de novo or as being caused by aggravation of preexisting symptoms. However,the literature on this topic is ambivalent despite the potentially increased rate of GERDs that may occur after this common bariatric procedure. This article reviews the mechanisms responsible for GERD in obese subjects as well as the results after a SG with respect to GERD. Future directions for clinical research are discussed along with the current surgical options for morbidly obese patients with GERD and undergoing bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy:More than a restrictive bariatric surgery procedure?

Sleeve gastrectomy(SG) is a restrictive bariatric surgery technique that was first used as part of restrictive horizontal gastrectomy in the original Scopinaro type biliopancreatic diversion. Its good results as a single technique have led to a rise in its use, and it is currently the second most performed technique worldwide. SG achieves clearly better results than other restrictive techniques and is comparable in some aspects to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the current gold standard in bariatric surgery. These benefits have been associated with different pathophysiologic mechanisms unrelated to weight loss such as increased gastric emptying and intestinal transit, and activation of hormonal mechanisms such as increased GLP-1 hormone and decreased ghrelin. The aim of this review was to highlight the salient aspects of SG regarding its historical evolution, pathophysiologic mechanisms, main results, clinical applications and perioperative complications.

The success of sleeve gastrectomy in the management of metabolic syndrome and obesity

The rapid reversal of diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipidaemia and obesity by surgical means has challenged accepted doctrines regarding the management of metabolic syndrome.Sleeve gastrectomy,which developed initially as a preparatory procedure for biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch,has seen an exponential rise in popularity as an effective lone laparoscopic bariatric procedure.Superior excess weight loss,a low complication rate,and excellent food tolerance,combined with a short hospital stay,have made this the procedure of choice for patients and surgeons across the globe.High volume centres nurture the ongoing development of experienced and specialized teams,pathways and regimens.Optimum surgical outcomes allow minimization of metabolic syndrome,reducing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.

Gastric remnant twist in the immediate post-operative period following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Twist of stomach remnant post sleeve gastrectomy is a rare entity and difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. We are reporting a case of gastric volvulus post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which was managed conservatively. A 38-year-old lady with a body mass index of 54 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Sleeve gastrectomy was performed over a 32 French bougie using Endo-GIA tri-stapler. On post-operative day 1, patient had nausea and non-bilious vomiting. An upper gastrointestinal gastrografin study on postoperative days 1 and 2 revealed collection of contrast in the fundic area of stomach with poor flow distally, and she vomited gastrograffin immediately post procedure. With the suspicion of a stricture in the mid stomach as the cause, the patient was taken back for a exploratory laparoscopy and intra-operative endoscopy. We found a twist in the gastric tube which was too tight for the endoscope to pass through. This was managed conservatively with a long stent to keep the gastric tube straight and patent. The stent was discontinued in 7 d and the patient did well. In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy the stomach is converted into a tube and is devoid of its supports. If the staples fired are not aligned appropriately, it can predispose this stomach tube to undergo torsion along its long axis. Such a twist can be avoided by properly aligning the staples and by placing tacking sutures to the omentum and new stomach tube. This twist is a functional obstruction rather than a stricture; thus, it can be managed by endoscopy and stent placement.

Current status of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: An opinion review

Bariatric surgeries have been demonstrated to be safe and effective treatment options for morbid obesity patients, but operative risks and high health care costs limit their clinical application. Endoscopic bariatric therapies are emerging as valuable alternatives for patients with doubts about bariatric surgery or ineligible for it. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty(ESG), a relatively novel technique of endoscopic bariatric therapies, has gained standing in the past few years. The safety, feasibility, repeatability, and potential for reversibility of ESG have been proven by multicenter studies. Compared to other weight loss strategies, current evidence demonstrates that ESG offers satisfactory efficacy in weight loss. Even though it is inferior to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, it has lower risks of adverse events than surgical interventions and intragastric balloon within oneyear follow-up. Furthermore, ESG may be the ideal weight control strategy for patients who have poor adherence to behavioral interventions. Even so, trends in decreased weight loss effect over time, post-procedure weight regain, postprocedure gut hormone alteration, and possible effects of race and ethnicity on ESG still remain undetermined due to very limited reports and very short followups. Further clinical trials are required to validate and answer these questions.

Effects of sleeve gastrectomy with jejuno-jejunal or jejuno-ileal loop on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats

AIM To explore the effect of sleeve gastrectomy(SG) with jejuno-jejunal or jejuno-ileal loop on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats.METHODS Diabetic rats, which were induced by high-fat diet(HFD), nicotinamide and low-dose streptozotocin, underwent sham operations, SG, SG with jejuno-ileal loop(SG-JI) and SG with jejuno-jejunal loop(SG-JJ) followed by postoperative HFD. Then, at the time points of baseline and 2, 12 and 24 wk postoperatively, we determined and compared several variables, including the area under the curve for the results of oral glucose tolerance test(AUCOGTT), serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and ghrelin in fasting state, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), body weight, calorie intake, glucagon-like peptide(GLP)-1 and insulin secretions after glucose gavage at dose of 1 g/kg.RESULTS At 2 wk postoperatively, rats that underwent SG, SGJJ and SG-JI, compared with sham-operated(SHAM)rats, demonstrated lower body weight, calorie intake and ghrelin(P < 0.05 vs SHAM), enhanced secretion of insulin and GLP-1 after glucose gavage(P < 0.05 vs SHAM), improved AUCOGTT, HOMA-IR, fasting serum triglyceride and cholesterol(AUCOGTT: 1616.9 ± 83.2, 837.4 ± 83.7, 874.9 ± 97.2 and 812.6 ± 81.9, P < 0.05 vs SHAM; HOMA-IR: 4.31 ± 0.54, 2.94 ± 0.22, 3.17 ± 0.37 and 3.41 ± 0.22, P < 0.05 vs SHAM; Triglyceride: 2.35 ± 0.17, 1.87 ± 0.23, 1.98 ± 0.30 and 2.04 ± 0.21 mmol/L, P < 0.05 vs SHAM; Cholesterol: 1.84 ± 0.21, 1.53 ± 0.20, 1.52 ± 0.20 and 1.46 ± 0.23 mmol/L). At 12 wk postoperatively, rats receiving SG-JJ and SG-JI had lower body weight, reduced levels of triglyceride and cholesterol and elevated level of GLP-1 compared to those receiving SG(P < 0.05 vs SG). At 24 wk after surgery, compared with SG, the advantage of SG-JJ and SG-JI for glucolipid metabolism was still evident(P < 0.05 vs SG). SG-JI had a better performance in lipid metabolism and GLP-1 secretion of rats than did SG-JJ.CONCLUSION SG combined with intestinal loop induces better glycolipid metabolism than simple SG, with the lipid metabolism being more improved with SG-JI compared to SG-JJ.

Bariatric surgery and diabetes remission: Sleeve gastrectomy or mini-gastric bypass?

AIM:To investigate the weight loss and glycemic control status[blood glucose,hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)and hypoglycaemic treatment].METHODS:The primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity,and 90%of all patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.Although a remarkable effect of bariatric surgery is the profound and durable resolution of type 2 diabetes clinical manifestations,little is known about the difference among various weight loss surgical procedures on diabetes remission.Data from patients referred during a 3-year period(from January2009 to December 2011)to the University of Naples"FedericoⅡ"diagnosed with obesity and diabetes were retrieved from a prospective database.The patients were split into two groups according to the surgical intervention performed[sleeve gastrectomy(SG)and mini-gastric bypass(MGB)].Weight loss and glycemic control status(blood glucose,HbA1c and hypoglycaemic treatment)were evaluated.RESULTS:A total of 53 subjects who underwent sleeve gastrectomy or mini-gastric bypass for obesity and diabetes were screened for the inclusion in this study.Of these,4 subjects were excluded because of surgical complications,7 subjects were omitted because young surgeons conducted the operations and 11 subjects were removed because of the lack of follow-up.Thirtyone obese patients were recruited for this study.A total of 15 subjects underwent SG(48.4%),and 16underwent MGB(51.6%).After adjusting for various clinical and demographic characteristics in a multivariate logistic regression analysis,high hemoglobin A1c was determined to be a negative predictor of diabetes remission at 12 mo(OR=0.366,95%CI:0.152-0.884).Using the same regression model,MGB showed a clear trend toward higher diabetes remission rates relative to SG(OR=3.780,95%CI:0.961-14.872).CONCLUSION:Although our results are encouraging regarding the effectiveness of mini-gastric bypass on diabetes remission,further studies are needed to provide definitive conclusions in selecting the ideal procedure for diabetes remission.

Bariatric surgery in old age:a comparative study of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in an Asia centre of excellence

Bariatric surgery has been proved to be the safest and efficient procedure in treating morbid obese patients,but data is still lacking in the elderly population.The aim of our study was to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass（LRYGB） and sleeve gastrectomy（LSG） in patients aged more than 55 years.We performed2 a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database.All patients with body mass index（BMI） §32 kg/mand aged more than 55 years undergoing LRYGB or LSG in BMI Surgery Centre,E-Da Hospital between January 2008 and December 2011 with at least one year of follow up were included for the analysis.Demography,peri-operative data,weight loss and surgical complications were all recorded and analyzed.Mean age and BMI of these 68 patients22（22 males and 46 female） were 58.8 years（55-79 years） and 39.5 kg/m（32.00-60.40 kg/m）.LRYGB was performed in 44 patients and LSG in 24 patients.The two groups were comparable in their preoperative BMI,American Society of Anaesthesia（ASA） score and gender distribution.LSG patients were significantly older than patients receiving LRYGB.The proportion of type 2 diabetes preoperatively was significantly higher in LRYGB patients as compared to LSG patients（88.63% vs.50%; P,0.01）.The prevalence of other co-morbidities was similar and comparable2 between the groups.Mean BMI in the LRYGB and LSG groups at the end of 1 year were 28.8 kg/mand228.2 kg/m,respectively,and there was no statistically significant difference in mean percentage of excess weight loss（%EWL） at 1 year.The percentage of resolution of diabetes was significantly higher in LRYGB（69.2%） as compared to LSG（33.3%）.On the other hand,there was no statistical difference in the percentage of resolution of hypertension,hyperlipidemia and fatty liver hepatitis.The overall morbidity and re-operation rate was higher in LRYGB patients.In morbidly elderly patients,both surgeries achieved good weight loss and resolution of comorbidities.LRYGB is superior to LSG in terms of diabetes remission but carries higher complication rates even at high volume centres.

Endoscopic therapy for weight loss: Gastroplasty, duodenal sleeves, intragastric balloons, and aspiration

A new paradigm in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease is developing. The global obesity epidemic continues to expand despite the availability of diet and lifestyle counseling, pharmacologic therapy, and weight loss surgery. Endoscopic procedures have the potential to bridge the gap between medical therapy and surgery. Current primary endoscopic bariatric therapies can be classified as restrictive, bypass, spaceoccupying, or aspiration therapy. Restrictive procedures include the USGI Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty using Apollo Over Stitch, Trans Oral GAstroplasty, gastric volume reduction using the ACE stapler, and insertion of the TERIS restrictive device. Intestinal bypass has been reported using the EndoB arrier duodenal-jejunal bypass liner. A number of space-occupying devices have been studied or are in use, including intragastric balloons(Orbera, Reshape Duo, Heliosphere BAG, Obalon), Transpyloric Shuttle, and Sati Sphere. The Aspire Assist aspiration system has demonstrated efficacy. Finally, endoscopic revision of gastric bypass to address weight regain has been studied using Apollo Over Stitch, the USGI Incisionless Operating Platform Revision Obesity Surgery Endolumenal procedure, Stomaphyx, and endoscopic sclerotherapy. Endoscopic therapies for weight loss are potentially reversible, repeatable, less invasive, and lower cost than various medical and surgical alternatives. Given the variety of devices under development, in clinical trials, and currently in use, patients will have multiple endoscopic options with greater efficacy than medical therapy, and with lower invasiveness and greater accessibility than surgery.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity

The incidence of obesity is steadily rising, and it has been estimated that 40% of the US population will be obese by the year 2025 if the current trend continues. In recent years there has been renewed interest in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity in concomitance with the epidemic of obesity. Bariatric surgery proved effective in providing weight loss of large magnitude, correction of comorbidities and excellent short-term and long-term outcomes, decreasing overall mortality and providing a marked survival advantage. The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) has increased in popularity and is currently very "trendy" among laparoscopic surgeons involved in bariatric surgery. As LSG proved to be effective in achieving considerable weight loss in the short-term, it has been proposed by some as a sole bariatric procedure. This editorial focuses on the particular advantages of LSG in the treatment of morbid obesity.

Fatal aortoesophageal fistula bleeding after stenting for a leak post sleeve gastrectomy

Bariatric surgeries have been used in an effort to curtail the obesity epidemic. The type of surgery used has changed over time, with sleeve gastrectomies being one of the preferred options. This has been associated with some complications, including staple line leaks. We report a 43-year old female who had undergone a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy that was complicated by a proximal gastric pouch leak at the gastroesophageal junction. We used self-expandable stents(SEMS) in the management of the leak. Seven weeks after the insertion of the initial SEMS, the patient presented with a massive gastrointestinal bleed that could not be localized due to profuse bleeding. The patient underwenta computerized tomography angiogram and then an angiogram that could not localize the site of the bleed. An emergency laparotomy was performed and identified the source of bleeding to be an aortoesophageal fistula. A graft of the diseased area was attempted but the patient unfortunately did not survive the procedure. An aortoesophageal fistula after an esophageal SEMS insertion for a benign disease has rarely been reported and only in cases where there was a thoracic neoplasm, thoracic aortic aneurism, endovascular stent repair, foreign body or esophageal surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case that reports an aortoesophageal fistula as a result of a SEMS for the management of a gastric pouch leak after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

FDTD Analysis and Application of Sleeve Monopole Antenna

Based on the symmetry of the structure, a two-dimensional finite difference time domain （FDTD） method is used to analyze the sleeve monopole antenna on the infinite perfect conductor ground fed by a coaxial line. The fields in time domain are then turned into frequency domain through the discrete Fourier Transform to compute the surface current distribution and the input impedance of the sleeve monopole antenna. The gain or pattern of the monopole antenna is also computed, employing the combination of the image theory and the near-to-far transformation in frequency domain. All the computed results agree very well with the results of other methods and measured ones, verifying the application of the FDTD method to analyze the sleeve monopole antennas. The voltage standing wave ratio （VSWR） of the sleeve monopole antennas with different heights and radii of the sleeve are checked to study the influence of the sleeve, which indicates that the height and the radius of the sleeve are both important to the impedance bandwidth of the sleeve monopole antennas.

Sleeve bridging of the rhesus monkey ulnar nerve with muscular branches of the pronator teres: multiple amplification of axonal regeneration

Multiple-bud regeneration, i.e., multiple amplification, has been shown to exist in peripheral nerve regeneration. Multiple buds grow towards the distal nerve stump during proximal nerve fiber regeneration. Our previous studies have verified the limit and validity of multiple ampli- fication of peripheral nerve regeneration using small gap sleeve bridging of small donor nerves to repair large receptor nerves in rodents. The present study sought to observe multiple ampli- fication of myelinated nerve fiber regeneration in the primate peripheral nerve. Rhesus monkey models of distal ulnar nerve defects were established and repaired using muscular branches of the right forearm pronator teres. Proximal muscular branches of the pronator teres were su- tured into the distal ulnar nerve using the small gap sleeve bridging method. At 6 months after suture, two-finger flexion and mild wrist flexion were restored in the ulnar-sided injured limbs of rhesus monkey. Neurophysiological examination showed that motor nerve conduction veloc- ity reached 22.63 _＋ 6.34 m/s on the affected side of rhesus monkey. Osmium tetroxide staining demonstrated that the number of myelinated nerve fibers was 1,657 ＋ 652 in the branches of pronator teres of donor, and 2,661 ~ 843 in the repaired ulnar nerve. The rate of multiple amplification of regenerating myelinated nerve fibers was 1.61. These data showed that when muscular branches of the pronator teres were used to repair ulnar nerve in primates, effective regeneration was observed in regenerating nerve fibers, and functions of the injured ulnar nerve were restored to a certain extent. Moreover, multiple amplification was subsequently detected in ulnar nerve axons.