Reoperative bariatric surgery is required in 10 per cent to 20 per cent of patients secondary to ... more Reoperative bariatric surgery is required in 10 per cent to 20 per cent of patients secondary to weight regain or complications of the previous procedure. This study evaluates the feasibility of performing the revision procedure laparoscopically. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing revision of a previous weight loss procedure between October 1998 and November 2003 was conducted. Demographics, indications for surgery, operative findings, and complications were reviewed. Thirty-nine revisions were performed in 37 patients. Indications for revision were failure to lose weight (22), gastric outlet stricture (10), refractory gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (6), and blind loop syndrome (1). All 39 procedures were revised to Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), with 18 open revisions (OR) and 21 laparoscopic revisions (LR). Ten of the 21 LR (48%) were converted to an open procedure due to adhesions or unclear anatomy. Early complications requiring operation were noted in five pr...
The frequency of copper deficiency and clinical manifestations following roux-en-y gastric bypass... more The frequency of copper deficiency and clinical manifestations following roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is not yet clear. Objectives were to determine the prevalence and incidence of copper deficiency in patients who have undergone RYGB. We sought to determine the number of RYGB patients undergoing medical and nutritional follow-up visits at the Emory Bariatric Center who experienced copper deficiency and associated hematological and neurological complaints (n=136). Separately, in patients followed longitudinally before and during 6 and 24 months following RYGB surgery, we obtained measures of copper status (n=16). Systemic blood cell counts and measures of copper, zinc and ceruloplasmin were determined using standardized assays in reference laboratories including atomic absorption spectrometry and immunoassays. Thirteen patients were identified to have copper deficiency suggesting a prevalence of copper deficiency of 9.6%, and the majority of these had concomitant complica...
Background-In the context of increasing obesity prevalence, the relationship between large viscer... more Background-In the context of increasing obesity prevalence, the relationship between large visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. In a clinical sample of severely obese women (mean body mass index [BMI], 46 kg/m 2) with fasting normoglycemia (n=40) or dysglycemia (impaired fasting glucose+diabetes; n=20), we sought to determine the usefulness of anthropometric correlates of VAT and associations with dysglycemia. Methods-VAT volume was estimated using multi-slice computer tomography; anthropometric surrogates included sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), waist circumference (WC) and BMI. Insulin sensitivity (Si), and beta-cell dysfunction, measured by insulin secretion (AIRg) and the disposition index (DI), were determined by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Results-Compared to fasting normoglycemic women, individuals with dysglycemia had greater VAT (P<0.001) and SAD (P=0.04), but BMI, total adiposity and Si were similar. VAT was inversely associated with AIRg and DI after controlling for ancestry, Si, and total adiposity (standardized beta, −0.32 and −0.34, both P<0.05). In addition, SAD (beta=0.41, P=0.02) was found to be a better estimate of VAT volume than WC (beta=0.32, P=0.08) after controlling for covariates. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that VAT volume, followed by SAD, outperformed WC and BMI in identifying dysglycemic participants. Conclusions-Increasing VAT is associated with beta-cell dysfunction and dysglycemia in very obese women. In the presence of severe obesity, SAD is a simple surrogate of VAT, and an indicator of glucose dysregulation.
It is not known whether there are mechanisms linking adipose tissue mass and increased oxidative ... more It is not known whether there are mechanisms linking adipose tissue mass and increased oxidative stress in obesity. This study investigated associations between decreasing general and abdominal fat depots and oxidative stress during weight loss. Subjects were severely obese women who were measured serially at baseline and at 1, 6 (n = 30), and 24 months (n = 18) after bariatric surgery. Total fat mass (FAT) and volumes of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAT) were related to plasma concentrations of derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites (dROMS), a measure of lipid peroxides and oxidative stress. After intervention, BMI significantly decreased, from 47.7 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 to 43.3 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 (1 month), 35.2 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 (6 months), and 30.2 ± 1.2 kg/m 2 (24 months). Plasma dROMS also significantly deceased over time. At baseline, VAT (r = 0.46), FAT (r = 0.42), and BMI (r = 0.37) correlated with 6-month decreases in dROMS. Similarly, at 1 month, VAT (r = 0.43) and FAT (r = 0.41) correlated with 6-month decreases in dROMS. Multiple regression analysis showed that relationships between VAT and dROMS were significant after adjusting for FAT mass. Increased plasma dROMS at baseline were correlated with decreased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) at 1 and 6 months after surgery (r = −0.38 and −0.42). This study found longitudinal associations between general, and more specifically intra-abdominal adiposity, and systemic lipid peroxides, suggesting that adipose tissue mass contributes to oxidative stress.
Introduction Internal hernias continue to be a significant source of morbidity after LRYGB. Liter... more Introduction Internal hernias continue to be a significant source of morbidity after LRYGB. Literature addressing the technique of Roux limb construction as a predisposing factor is sparse. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Roux limb construction technique on the development of internal hernias. Methods In this study, we included 444 (367 (82.7%) were females and 77 (17.3%) were males, two deaths excluded from the analysis) consecutive patients from our institutional bariatric database who underwent LRYGB. Variables collected include demographics, body mass index (BMI) before and after the procedure, and postoperative small bowel obstruction secondary to internal herniation. Technical details collected include: type of Roux-en-Y limb construction, Peterson's defect closure at initial operation, and reoperative findings. Roux limbs were constructed in 291 patients by a clockwise rotation of the bowel and jejunojejunostomy performed on the right side of the axis of the mesentery (group 1). In 151 patients, the Roux limb was constructed by a counterclockwise rotation of the Roux limb resulting in the jejunojejunostomy on the left side of the axis of the mesentery (group 2). We also analyzed the impact of Peterson's space closure on internal hernias. Fisher's exact test and Chisquare test were used for the analysis. Results Of a total 442 (mean age, 43.7±10.3 years; mean BMI pre-op was 46.4±5.1; and BMI after median follow-up of 12 months was 34.5±6.98) patients included in the study, 21 (4.7%) internal hernias were identified. Of 21 internal hernias, 17 (81%) were through Peterson's space and four (19%) were through the mesenteric defect. Group 1 patients had significantly higher overall internal hernias (20/291, 6.9% vs. 1/151, 0.7%; P=0.0018) and Peterson's hernias (16/291, 5.5% vs. 1/151, 0.7%; P=0.0089) compared with group 2. In addition, no significant difference was noted in the incidence of Peterson's hernia whether the defect was closed or not closed (closed group, 4/117 and 3.4% vs. not closed, 13/325, 4%; P=1.00). Within the group where Peterson's defect was closed, clockwise rotation and anastomosis on the right side of the axis of the mesentery was associated with significantly higher incidence of Peterson's hernias compared with counterclockwise rotation (4/54 vs. 0/ 63; P=0.043). In the group where Peterson's defect was not closed, clockwise rotation was associated with higher incidence of internal hernias that did not reach statistical significance (12/237, 5.1% vs. 1/88, 1.1%; P=0.12). Summary This study demonstrates that the technique for construction of the Roux limb is a major factor in the development of internal hernias. Construction of the Roux limb with a counterclockwise rotation of the bowel, such that both jejunojejunostomy anastomosis and ligament of Treitz are to the left of the axis of the mesentery significantly reduces the incidence of internal hernias.
Obesity-related glucose intolerance is a function of hepatic (homeostatic model assessment-insuli... more Obesity-related glucose intolerance is a function of hepatic (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) and peripheral insulin resistance (Si) and β-cell dysfunction. We determined relationships between changes in these measures, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue, and systemic adipocytokine biomarkers 1 and 6 months after surgical weight loss. HOMA-IR decreased significantly (−50%) from baseline by 1 month and decreased further (−67%) by 6 months, and Si was improved by 6 months (2.3-fold) weight loss. Plasma concentrations of leptin decreased and adiponectin increased significantly by 1 month, and decreases in interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α were observed at 6 months of weight loss. Longitudinal decreases in CRP (r = −0.53, P < 0.05) were associated with increases in Si, and decreases in HOMA-IR were related to increases in adiponectin (r = −0.37, P < 0.05). Decreases in VAT were more strongly related to...
Hypothesis: Circulating ghrelin, produced primarily in the stomach, is a powerful orexigen. Ghrel... more Hypothesis: Circulating ghrelin, produced primarily in the stomach, is a powerful orexigen. Ghrelin levels are elevated in states of hunger, but rapidly decline postprandially. Early alterations in ghrelin levels in morbidly obese patients undergoing weight reduction surgery may be attributed to gastric partitioning. Design and Patients: Thirty-four patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a completely divided gastroplasty to create a 15-mL vertically oriented gastric pouch. Eight other patients underwent other gastric procedures that did not involve complete division of the stomach, including 4 vertical banded gastroplasties and 4 antireflux surgical procedures. Six additional patients undergoing antireflux surgery served as lean control subjects. Plasma samples were obtained before surgery and immediately after surgery. In a substudy, plasma was collected after Rouxen-Y limb formation and after dividing the stomach to identify any changes in plasma ghrelin levels. Setting: Tertiary university medical center. Main Outcome Measures: Ghrelin levels at different stages of surgical intervention.
Hypothesis: Following weight loss surgery, many patients initially experience nonspecific foregut... more Hypothesis: Following weight loss surgery, many patients initially experience nonspecific foregut symptoms. Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric remnant may be associated with foregut symptoms. Design: Inception cohort. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Ninety-nine consecutive patients being evaluated for weight loss surgery. Intervention: All patients underwent preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H pylori testing. Main Outcome Measures: Foregut symptoms were documented at routine post-weight loss surgery follow-up visits. Results: Preoperatively, 24% of patients tested positive for H pylori. Postoperative foregut symptoms were significant in 48% of the H pylori-positive group, and 19% of the H pylori-negative group (P = .02). This increase remained even after controlling for age, sex, preoperative presence of antritis, type of surgery performed, and body mass index (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval,1.1-11.8). Patients with prolonged symptoms who tested positive for H pylori were given an eradication treatment. Conclusions: The prevalence of H pylori infection in patients undergoing weight loss surgery is high, and a significant proportion of them have postoperative foregut symptoms. Consideration should be given to H pylori treatment in these patients.
The presence of Barrett&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a... more The presence of Barrett&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s esophagus (BE) increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Total regression of BE is uncommon with medication or laparoscopic fundoplication, and endoscopic techniques to obliterate BE have varied results. This study evaluated the early results of a balloon-based catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system in patients with medically refractory reflux symptoms and biopsy-proven BE. The medical records of 27 consecutive patients who underwent RFA for BE from March 2005 through January 2007 were reviewed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed before ablation to document presence of BE and no cancer and at 8 weeks after the RFA to assess the presence of residual BE. Mean patient age was 53.6 +/- 12.5 years; 16 (59%) were men. The average length of the Barrett segment treated was 4.6 +/- 4.7 cm. Two patients (7.4%) had low-grade dysplasia. No patient had high-grade dysplasia and cancer. There was no periprocedural morbidity or at follow-up, no postprocedure dysphagia or stricture. In all patients, the BE was completely replaced with normal squamous epithelium. Symptoms regressed in 16 patients (60%) with RFA and proton pump inhibitor therapy. Eleven required an antireflux procedure for persistent symptoms. Short-term results show that RFA for BE is safe and achieves 100% replacement of intestinal metaplasia. RFA of BE combined with fundoplication may be offered to patients with BE and medically refractory reflux symptoms. Long-term endoscopic surveillance is needed to determine if the risk of cancer is reduced with this bimodality therapy.
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2010
Glycemic disorders resolve following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, but early and longe... more Glycemic disorders resolve following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, but early and longer-term mechanisms regarding effects on β-cell dysfunction as well as relationships with decreasing adiposity are not well understood. We evaluated longitudinal changes in peripheral insulin sensitivity (Si), the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), and the composite estimate of β-cell function, the disposition index (DI), over 24 mo via frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing in severely obese women who had fasting normoglycemia ( n = 16) and hyperglycemia ( n = 11) before RYGB surgery; homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) estimated insulin resistance; air displacement plethysmography determined adipose tissue mass. At baseline, subjects with normoglycemia had adequate DI associated with elevated AIRg, but DI was markedly reduced in subjects with hyperglycemia. Within 1–6 mo post-RYGB, glycemic control was normalized in subjects with hyperglycemia related to reduc...
Resolution of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) after weight loss surgery is well documented, but the... more Resolution of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) after weight loss surgery is well documented, but the mechanism is elusive. We evaluated the glucose-insulin metabolism of patients undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) using the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and compared it with patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (AB) placement. Thirty-one female patients (age range, 20 to 50 years; body mass index, 47.2 kg/m2) underwent RYGB. Nine female patients underwent AB placement and served as control subjects. All patients underwent IVGTT at baseline and 1 month and 6 months after surgery. Thirteen patients undergoing RYGB and one patient undergoing AB exhibited impaired glucose tolerance or DM defined by the American Diabetes Association. By 6 months post surgery, diabetes was resolved in all but one patient undergoing RYGB but not in the patient undergoing AB. Patients with diabetes undergoing RYGB demonstrated increased insulin secretion and β-cell ...
Treatment options for morbidly obese patients with complications from large paraesophageal hernia... more Treatment options for morbidly obese patients with complications from large paraesophageal hernias (PEH) are limited. Simple repair of the PEH has a high recurrence rate and may be associated with poor gastric function. We compared a series of patients who underwent repair of large PEH plus gastrostomy tube gastropexy (PEH-GT) with PEH plus sleeve gastrectomy (PEHSG). Retrospective review of patients undergoing PEH-SG and patients with PEH-GT was performed. We assessed symptoms of delayed gastric emptying and reflux postoperatively. In selected patients, gastric-emptying studies and upper gastrointestinal contrast studies were also obtained. All patients with large PEH were repaired laparoscopically with sac resection, primary crural closure using pledgeted sutures, and biologic patch onlay. SG for patients undergoing concomitant weight loss surgery (PEH-SG) was performed with linear endoscopic staplers and staple line reinforcement. Patients undergoing PEH repair alone had a gastro...
Background. Morbid obesity is believed to be an extreme of the metabolic spectrum. Moreover, diab... more Background. Morbid obesity is believed to be an extreme of the metabolic spectrum. Moreover, diabetes is hypothesized to be associated with a chronic inflammatory state that is not observed in nondiabetic healthy individuals. We investigated the differences in expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by surgical stress between diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Method. 39 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (9 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were compared with 8 nonobese euglycemic patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Cytokine levels for IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 were measured 15 minutes before surgery and immediately after surgery. Results. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were elevated from baseline following surgery, but morbidly obese patients exhibited a much higher elevation than lean patients. Individuals with type 2 diabetes had the most pronounced IL-6 and IL-10 elevations. Baseline IL-18 levels were significantly higher in diabe...
Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is associated with dramatic improvements in obesityrelate... more Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is associated with dramatic improvements in obesityrelated comorbidity, but also with nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D concentrations are depressed in the severely obese, but the impact of weight loss via RYGB is unknown. We determined associations between adiposity and systemic 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during weight loss and the immediate and longer-term effects of RYGB. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and fat mass (FAT) were determined by immunoassay and air displacement plethysmography, respectively, at 0 (before RYGB surgery), and at 1, 6, and 24 months in severely obese white and African American (AA) women (n = 20). Decreases in adiposity were observed at 1, 6, and 24 months following RYGB (P < 0.05). Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations increased at 1 month (P = 0.004); a decreasing trend occurred over the remainder months after surgery (P = 0.02). Despite temporary improvement in vitamin D status, a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was observed (76, 71, 67, and 82%, at baseline, 1, 6, and 24 months, respectively), and plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were lower in AA compared to white patients (P < 0.05). Strong positive baseline and 1 month cross-sectional correlations between FAT and plasma 25(OH)D were observed, which remained after adjustment for age and race subgroup (β = 0.76 and 0.61, respectively, P = 0.02). In conclusion, 25(OH)D concentrations increased temporarily and then decreased during the 24 months following RYGB. The acute increase and the positive associations observed between adipose tissue mass and systemic 25(OH)D concentrations suggest storage in adipose tissue and release during weight loss.
BACKGROUND: Variable gastric morphology has been identified on routine upper gastrointestinal ser... more BACKGROUND: Variable gastric morphology has been identified on routine upper gastrointestinal series after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This test might give us useful information beyond the presence of leak and obstruction. The aim of this study is to standardize a morphologic classification of gastric sleeve based on water-soluble contrast upper gastrointestinal series, and to determine possible clinical implications. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and had routine upper gastrointestinal on postoperative day 1 or 2. Images were reviewed by 4 radiologists who were blinded to outcomes, and sleeve shape was classified as upper pouch, lower pouch, tubular, or dumbbell. Inter-observer agreement was calculated. Clinical outcomes including weight loss, satiety control, and reflux symptoms were recorded. Comparisons were determined by 1-way ANOVA and t-test. RESULTS: Mean age was 46 AE 12 years and mean BMI was 45.1 AE 6 kg/m 2. Overall inter-observer agreement level for the sleeve shape classification was 76.3%. Sleeve shapes were tubular in 37%, dumbbell in 32%, lower pouch in 22%, and upper pouch in 8%. Mean excess body weight loss at 1, 3, and 6 months was 16.8%, 29.9%, and 39.1%, respectively. Excess body weight loss was not associated with sleeve shape. Mean hunger score was 213 AE 97, and patients with dumbbell shape had higher hunger scores (p ¼ 0.003). Mean reflux score was 5.7 AE 8. Upper pouch shape was associated with greater severity of reflux symptoms (p ¼ 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a standardized radiographic classification of gastric sleeve morphology. Although sleeve shape is not correlated with weight loss, gastric sleeves with retained fundus result in lower satiety control and higher severity of reflux symptoms. An adequate resection of the gastric fundus might avoid this potential complication.
Background The results of a prospective consecutive series of single-incision laparoscopic right ... more Background The results of a prospective consecutive series of single-incision laparoscopic right hemicolectomy procedures are presented. Methods Right colonic resections were performed by a single-incision laparoscopic technique between February and December 2009. Surgical outcomes were recorded in a prospective database. Results Twenty-two consecutive procedures were completed by single-incision laparoscopic colorectal surgical resection. All patients were alive at 30 days. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. Morbidity was encountered in six patients. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed adenocarcinoma in 13 patients, adenoma in five, carcinoid in two, Crohn's disease in one patient and an intussuscepting lipoma in one. Clearance from the pathology was greater than 5 cm in all cases and the median lymph node harvest in patients with cancer was 17 (range 10–30). Conclusion Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a possible approach to right colonic...
JSLS, Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 2010
Background: Numerous recent reports describe the performance of laparoscopic procedures through a... more Background: Numerous recent reports describe the performance of laparoscopic procedures through a single incision. Although the feasibility of this approach for a variety of procedures is currently being established, little data are available regarding safety. Case Report: A 65-year-old female patient who was transferred from an outside institution had undergone a single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy that resulted in biliary tract and vascular injuries. Methods: The patient was transferred with a known bile duct injury on the first postoperative day following single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Review of her magnetic resonance imaging and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram studies showed a Bismuth type 3 bile duct injury. Hepatic angiogram demonstrated an occlusion of the right hepatic artery with collateralization from the left hepatic artery. She was initially managed conservatively with a right-sided external biliary drain, followed 6 weeks later by a Hepp-Couinaud procedure to reconstruct the biliary tract. Conclusion: As new techniques evolve, it is imperative that safety, or potential side effects, or both safety and side effects, be monitored, because no learning curve is established for these new techniques. In these initial stages, surgeons should have a low threshold to add additional ports when necessary to ensure that procedures are completed safely.
Pottery is fully involved in the daily life of people, either individually or collectively, and i... more Pottery is fully involved in the daily life of people, either individually or collectively, and is a key element in a wide range of activities. Thus, human communities create, use and discard material culture that is strongly related to the values, needs, norms and beliefs of the groups. Within each group, material culture can also inform about the specificity of each of the individuals that takes part in it. In this sense, objects and individuals depend on each other and can be only understood by considering both of them together. Archaeologically, these kinds of perspectives on material culture involves going beyond materiality itself and the explanatory models based on functionalism and ecology, as well as overcoming the economic viewpoints that dominate most interpretations of technology currently developed from ceramic archaeometry. As previously discussed, such approaches are usually focused more on the own view of the researcher than on the others', being characterised by having prejudices that are typical of western and contemporary societies. In these ethnocentric perspectives technology plays a key role and, consequently, is imposed on the cultural meanings of the past. In this way, western rationalist culture has traditionally rejected naturalism as a relevant cultural trait. The natural dimension of the objects is often considered taboo and materiality, as inanimate and unchanging, so that the objects we use in everyday life do not have any symbolic meaning worth studying. In western and modern societies there is a "technological somnambulism" (Winner, 2004) which promotes an explicit division between technology and people, while in pre-modern societies one is embedded in the other. In this way, in all societies-including modern and western culture-pottery must be considered semantically promiscuous (Barley 1994) and that it has meanings that go beyond the technical, economic and functional dimensions. However, in western and modern societies a viewpoint about materiality prevails in which culture acts passively as opposed to technology, which is essentially active and even deterministic (
Reoperative bariatric surgery is required in 10 per cent to 20 per cent of patients secondary to ... more Reoperative bariatric surgery is required in 10 per cent to 20 per cent of patients secondary to weight regain or complications of the previous procedure. This study evaluates the feasibility of performing the revision procedure laparoscopically. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing revision of a previous weight loss procedure between October 1998 and November 2003 was conducted. Demographics, indications for surgery, operative findings, and complications were reviewed. Thirty-nine revisions were performed in 37 patients. Indications for revision were failure to lose weight (22), gastric outlet stricture (10), refractory gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (6), and blind loop syndrome (1). All 39 procedures were revised to Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), with 18 open revisions (OR) and 21 laparoscopic revisions (LR). Ten of the 21 LR (48%) were converted to an open procedure due to adhesions or unclear anatomy. Early complications requiring operation were noted in five pr...
The frequency of copper deficiency and clinical manifestations following roux-en-y gastric bypass... more The frequency of copper deficiency and clinical manifestations following roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is not yet clear. Objectives were to determine the prevalence and incidence of copper deficiency in patients who have undergone RYGB. We sought to determine the number of RYGB patients undergoing medical and nutritional follow-up visits at the Emory Bariatric Center who experienced copper deficiency and associated hematological and neurological complaints (n=136). Separately, in patients followed longitudinally before and during 6 and 24 months following RYGB surgery, we obtained measures of copper status (n=16). Systemic blood cell counts and measures of copper, zinc and ceruloplasmin were determined using standardized assays in reference laboratories including atomic absorption spectrometry and immunoassays. Thirteen patients were identified to have copper deficiency suggesting a prevalence of copper deficiency of 9.6%, and the majority of these had concomitant complica...
Background-In the context of increasing obesity prevalence, the relationship between large viscer... more Background-In the context of increasing obesity prevalence, the relationship between large visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. In a clinical sample of severely obese women (mean body mass index [BMI], 46 kg/m 2) with fasting normoglycemia (n=40) or dysglycemia (impaired fasting glucose+diabetes; n=20), we sought to determine the usefulness of anthropometric correlates of VAT and associations with dysglycemia. Methods-VAT volume was estimated using multi-slice computer tomography; anthropometric surrogates included sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), waist circumference (WC) and BMI. Insulin sensitivity (Si), and beta-cell dysfunction, measured by insulin secretion (AIRg) and the disposition index (DI), were determined by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Results-Compared to fasting normoglycemic women, individuals with dysglycemia had greater VAT (P<0.001) and SAD (P=0.04), but BMI, total adiposity and Si were similar. VAT was inversely associated with AIRg and DI after controlling for ancestry, Si, and total adiposity (standardized beta, −0.32 and −0.34, both P<0.05). In addition, SAD (beta=0.41, P=0.02) was found to be a better estimate of VAT volume than WC (beta=0.32, P=0.08) after controlling for covariates. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that VAT volume, followed by SAD, outperformed WC and BMI in identifying dysglycemic participants. Conclusions-Increasing VAT is associated with beta-cell dysfunction and dysglycemia in very obese women. In the presence of severe obesity, SAD is a simple surrogate of VAT, and an indicator of glucose dysregulation.
It is not known whether there are mechanisms linking adipose tissue mass and increased oxidative ... more It is not known whether there are mechanisms linking adipose tissue mass and increased oxidative stress in obesity. This study investigated associations between decreasing general and abdominal fat depots and oxidative stress during weight loss. Subjects were severely obese women who were measured serially at baseline and at 1, 6 (n = 30), and 24 months (n = 18) after bariatric surgery. Total fat mass (FAT) and volumes of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAT) were related to plasma concentrations of derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites (dROMS), a measure of lipid peroxides and oxidative stress. After intervention, BMI significantly decreased, from 47.7 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 to 43.3 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 (1 month), 35.2 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 (6 months), and 30.2 ± 1.2 kg/m 2 (24 months). Plasma dROMS also significantly deceased over time. At baseline, VAT (r = 0.46), FAT (r = 0.42), and BMI (r = 0.37) correlated with 6-month decreases in dROMS. Similarly, at 1 month, VAT (r = 0.43) and FAT (r = 0.41) correlated with 6-month decreases in dROMS. Multiple regression analysis showed that relationships between VAT and dROMS were significant after adjusting for FAT mass. Increased plasma dROMS at baseline were correlated with decreased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) at 1 and 6 months after surgery (r = −0.38 and −0.42). This study found longitudinal associations between general, and more specifically intra-abdominal adiposity, and systemic lipid peroxides, suggesting that adipose tissue mass contributes to oxidative stress.
Introduction Internal hernias continue to be a significant source of morbidity after LRYGB. Liter... more Introduction Internal hernias continue to be a significant source of morbidity after LRYGB. Literature addressing the technique of Roux limb construction as a predisposing factor is sparse. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Roux limb construction technique on the development of internal hernias. Methods In this study, we included 444 (367 (82.7%) were females and 77 (17.3%) were males, two deaths excluded from the analysis) consecutive patients from our institutional bariatric database who underwent LRYGB. Variables collected include demographics, body mass index (BMI) before and after the procedure, and postoperative small bowel obstruction secondary to internal herniation. Technical details collected include: type of Roux-en-Y limb construction, Peterson's defect closure at initial operation, and reoperative findings. Roux limbs were constructed in 291 patients by a clockwise rotation of the bowel and jejunojejunostomy performed on the right side of the axis of the mesentery (group 1). In 151 patients, the Roux limb was constructed by a counterclockwise rotation of the Roux limb resulting in the jejunojejunostomy on the left side of the axis of the mesentery (group 2). We also analyzed the impact of Peterson's space closure on internal hernias. Fisher's exact test and Chisquare test were used for the analysis. Results Of a total 442 (mean age, 43.7±10.3 years; mean BMI pre-op was 46.4±5.1; and BMI after median follow-up of 12 months was 34.5±6.98) patients included in the study, 21 (4.7%) internal hernias were identified. Of 21 internal hernias, 17 (81%) were through Peterson's space and four (19%) were through the mesenteric defect. Group 1 patients had significantly higher overall internal hernias (20/291, 6.9% vs. 1/151, 0.7%; P=0.0018) and Peterson's hernias (16/291, 5.5% vs. 1/151, 0.7%; P=0.0089) compared with group 2. In addition, no significant difference was noted in the incidence of Peterson's hernia whether the defect was closed or not closed (closed group, 4/117 and 3.4% vs. not closed, 13/325, 4%; P=1.00). Within the group where Peterson's defect was closed, clockwise rotation and anastomosis on the right side of the axis of the mesentery was associated with significantly higher incidence of Peterson's hernias compared with counterclockwise rotation (4/54 vs. 0/ 63; P=0.043). In the group where Peterson's defect was not closed, clockwise rotation was associated with higher incidence of internal hernias that did not reach statistical significance (12/237, 5.1% vs. 1/88, 1.1%; P=0.12). Summary This study demonstrates that the technique for construction of the Roux limb is a major factor in the development of internal hernias. Construction of the Roux limb with a counterclockwise rotation of the bowel, such that both jejunojejunostomy anastomosis and ligament of Treitz are to the left of the axis of the mesentery significantly reduces the incidence of internal hernias.
Obesity-related glucose intolerance is a function of hepatic (homeostatic model assessment-insuli... more Obesity-related glucose intolerance is a function of hepatic (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) and peripheral insulin resistance (Si) and β-cell dysfunction. We determined relationships between changes in these measures, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue, and systemic adipocytokine biomarkers 1 and 6 months after surgical weight loss. HOMA-IR decreased significantly (−50%) from baseline by 1 month and decreased further (−67%) by 6 months, and Si was improved by 6 months (2.3-fold) weight loss. Plasma concentrations of leptin decreased and adiponectin increased significantly by 1 month, and decreases in interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α were observed at 6 months of weight loss. Longitudinal decreases in CRP (r = −0.53, P < 0.05) were associated with increases in Si, and decreases in HOMA-IR were related to increases in adiponectin (r = −0.37, P < 0.05). Decreases in VAT were more strongly related to...
Hypothesis: Circulating ghrelin, produced primarily in the stomach, is a powerful orexigen. Ghrel... more Hypothesis: Circulating ghrelin, produced primarily in the stomach, is a powerful orexigen. Ghrelin levels are elevated in states of hunger, but rapidly decline postprandially. Early alterations in ghrelin levels in morbidly obese patients undergoing weight reduction surgery may be attributed to gastric partitioning. Design and Patients: Thirty-four patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a completely divided gastroplasty to create a 15-mL vertically oriented gastric pouch. Eight other patients underwent other gastric procedures that did not involve complete division of the stomach, including 4 vertical banded gastroplasties and 4 antireflux surgical procedures. Six additional patients undergoing antireflux surgery served as lean control subjects. Plasma samples were obtained before surgery and immediately after surgery. In a substudy, plasma was collected after Rouxen-Y limb formation and after dividing the stomach to identify any changes in plasma ghrelin levels. Setting: Tertiary university medical center. Main Outcome Measures: Ghrelin levels at different stages of surgical intervention.
Hypothesis: Following weight loss surgery, many patients initially experience nonspecific foregut... more Hypothesis: Following weight loss surgery, many patients initially experience nonspecific foregut symptoms. Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric remnant may be associated with foregut symptoms. Design: Inception cohort. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Ninety-nine consecutive patients being evaluated for weight loss surgery. Intervention: All patients underwent preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H pylori testing. Main Outcome Measures: Foregut symptoms were documented at routine post-weight loss surgery follow-up visits. Results: Preoperatively, 24% of patients tested positive for H pylori. Postoperative foregut symptoms were significant in 48% of the H pylori-positive group, and 19% of the H pylori-negative group (P = .02). This increase remained even after controlling for age, sex, preoperative presence of antritis, type of surgery performed, and body mass index (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval,1.1-11.8). Patients with prolonged symptoms who tested positive for H pylori were given an eradication treatment. Conclusions: The prevalence of H pylori infection in patients undergoing weight loss surgery is high, and a significant proportion of them have postoperative foregut symptoms. Consideration should be given to H pylori treatment in these patients.
The presence of Barrett&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a... more The presence of Barrett&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s esophagus (BE) increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Total regression of BE is uncommon with medication or laparoscopic fundoplication, and endoscopic techniques to obliterate BE have varied results. This study evaluated the early results of a balloon-based catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system in patients with medically refractory reflux symptoms and biopsy-proven BE. The medical records of 27 consecutive patients who underwent RFA for BE from March 2005 through January 2007 were reviewed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed before ablation to document presence of BE and no cancer and at 8 weeks after the RFA to assess the presence of residual BE. Mean patient age was 53.6 +/- 12.5 years; 16 (59%) were men. The average length of the Barrett segment treated was 4.6 +/- 4.7 cm. Two patients (7.4%) had low-grade dysplasia. No patient had high-grade dysplasia and cancer. There was no periprocedural morbidity or at follow-up, no postprocedure dysphagia or stricture. In all patients, the BE was completely replaced with normal squamous epithelium. Symptoms regressed in 16 patients (60%) with RFA and proton pump inhibitor therapy. Eleven required an antireflux procedure for persistent symptoms. Short-term results show that RFA for BE is safe and achieves 100% replacement of intestinal metaplasia. RFA of BE combined with fundoplication may be offered to patients with BE and medically refractory reflux symptoms. Long-term endoscopic surveillance is needed to determine if the risk of cancer is reduced with this bimodality therapy.
American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2010
Glycemic disorders resolve following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, but early and longe... more Glycemic disorders resolve following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, but early and longer-term mechanisms regarding effects on β-cell dysfunction as well as relationships with decreasing adiposity are not well understood. We evaluated longitudinal changes in peripheral insulin sensitivity (Si), the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), and the composite estimate of β-cell function, the disposition index (DI), over 24 mo via frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing in severely obese women who had fasting normoglycemia ( n = 16) and hyperglycemia ( n = 11) before RYGB surgery; homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) estimated insulin resistance; air displacement plethysmography determined adipose tissue mass. At baseline, subjects with normoglycemia had adequate DI associated with elevated AIRg, but DI was markedly reduced in subjects with hyperglycemia. Within 1–6 mo post-RYGB, glycemic control was normalized in subjects with hyperglycemia related to reduc...
Resolution of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) after weight loss surgery is well documented, but the... more Resolution of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) after weight loss surgery is well documented, but the mechanism is elusive. We evaluated the glucose-insulin metabolism of patients undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) using the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and compared it with patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (AB) placement. Thirty-one female patients (age range, 20 to 50 years; body mass index, 47.2 kg/m2) underwent RYGB. Nine female patients underwent AB placement and served as control subjects. All patients underwent IVGTT at baseline and 1 month and 6 months after surgery. Thirteen patients undergoing RYGB and one patient undergoing AB exhibited impaired glucose tolerance or DM defined by the American Diabetes Association. By 6 months post surgery, diabetes was resolved in all but one patient undergoing RYGB but not in the patient undergoing AB. Patients with diabetes undergoing RYGB demonstrated increased insulin secretion and β-cell ...
Treatment options for morbidly obese patients with complications from large paraesophageal hernia... more Treatment options for morbidly obese patients with complications from large paraesophageal hernias (PEH) are limited. Simple repair of the PEH has a high recurrence rate and may be associated with poor gastric function. We compared a series of patients who underwent repair of large PEH plus gastrostomy tube gastropexy (PEH-GT) with PEH plus sleeve gastrectomy (PEHSG). Retrospective review of patients undergoing PEH-SG and patients with PEH-GT was performed. We assessed symptoms of delayed gastric emptying and reflux postoperatively. In selected patients, gastric-emptying studies and upper gastrointestinal contrast studies were also obtained. All patients with large PEH were repaired laparoscopically with sac resection, primary crural closure using pledgeted sutures, and biologic patch onlay. SG for patients undergoing concomitant weight loss surgery (PEH-SG) was performed with linear endoscopic staplers and staple line reinforcement. Patients undergoing PEH repair alone had a gastro...
Background. Morbid obesity is believed to be an extreme of the metabolic spectrum. Moreover, diab... more Background. Morbid obesity is believed to be an extreme of the metabolic spectrum. Moreover, diabetes is hypothesized to be associated with a chronic inflammatory state that is not observed in nondiabetic healthy individuals. We investigated the differences in expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by surgical stress between diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Method. 39 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (9 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were compared with 8 nonobese euglycemic patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Cytokine levels for IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 were measured 15 minutes before surgery and immediately after surgery. Results. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were elevated from baseline following surgery, but morbidly obese patients exhibited a much higher elevation than lean patients. Individuals with type 2 diabetes had the most pronounced IL-6 and IL-10 elevations. Baseline IL-18 levels were significantly higher in diabe...
Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is associated with dramatic improvements in obesityrelate... more Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is associated with dramatic improvements in obesityrelated comorbidity, but also with nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D concentrations are depressed in the severely obese, but the impact of weight loss via RYGB is unknown. We determined associations between adiposity and systemic 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during weight loss and the immediate and longer-term effects of RYGB. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and fat mass (FAT) were determined by immunoassay and air displacement plethysmography, respectively, at 0 (before RYGB surgery), and at 1, 6, and 24 months in severely obese white and African American (AA) women (n = 20). Decreases in adiposity were observed at 1, 6, and 24 months following RYGB (P < 0.05). Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations increased at 1 month (P = 0.004); a decreasing trend occurred over the remainder months after surgery (P = 0.02). Despite temporary improvement in vitamin D status, a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was observed (76, 71, 67, and 82%, at baseline, 1, 6, and 24 months, respectively), and plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were lower in AA compared to white patients (P < 0.05). Strong positive baseline and 1 month cross-sectional correlations between FAT and plasma 25(OH)D were observed, which remained after adjustment for age and race subgroup (β = 0.76 and 0.61, respectively, P = 0.02). In conclusion, 25(OH)D concentrations increased temporarily and then decreased during the 24 months following RYGB. The acute increase and the positive associations observed between adipose tissue mass and systemic 25(OH)D concentrations suggest storage in adipose tissue and release during weight loss.
BACKGROUND: Variable gastric morphology has been identified on routine upper gastrointestinal ser... more BACKGROUND: Variable gastric morphology has been identified on routine upper gastrointestinal series after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This test might give us useful information beyond the presence of leak and obstruction. The aim of this study is to standardize a morphologic classification of gastric sleeve based on water-soluble contrast upper gastrointestinal series, and to determine possible clinical implications. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and had routine upper gastrointestinal on postoperative day 1 or 2. Images were reviewed by 4 radiologists who were blinded to outcomes, and sleeve shape was classified as upper pouch, lower pouch, tubular, or dumbbell. Inter-observer agreement was calculated. Clinical outcomes including weight loss, satiety control, and reflux symptoms were recorded. Comparisons were determined by 1-way ANOVA and t-test. RESULTS: Mean age was 46 AE 12 years and mean BMI was 45.1 AE 6 kg/m 2. Overall inter-observer agreement level for the sleeve shape classification was 76.3%. Sleeve shapes were tubular in 37%, dumbbell in 32%, lower pouch in 22%, and upper pouch in 8%. Mean excess body weight loss at 1, 3, and 6 months was 16.8%, 29.9%, and 39.1%, respectively. Excess body weight loss was not associated with sleeve shape. Mean hunger score was 213 AE 97, and patients with dumbbell shape had higher hunger scores (p ¼ 0.003). Mean reflux score was 5.7 AE 8. Upper pouch shape was associated with greater severity of reflux symptoms (p ¼ 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a standardized radiographic classification of gastric sleeve morphology. Although sleeve shape is not correlated with weight loss, gastric sleeves with retained fundus result in lower satiety control and higher severity of reflux symptoms. An adequate resection of the gastric fundus might avoid this potential complication.
Background The results of a prospective consecutive series of single-incision laparoscopic right ... more Background The results of a prospective consecutive series of single-incision laparoscopic right hemicolectomy procedures are presented. Methods Right colonic resections were performed by a single-incision laparoscopic technique between February and December 2009. Surgical outcomes were recorded in a prospective database. Results Twenty-two consecutive procedures were completed by single-incision laparoscopic colorectal surgical resection. All patients were alive at 30 days. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. Morbidity was encountered in six patients. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed adenocarcinoma in 13 patients, adenoma in five, carcinoid in two, Crohn's disease in one patient and an intussuscepting lipoma in one. Clearance from the pathology was greater than 5 cm in all cases and the median lymph node harvest in patients with cancer was 17 (range 10–30). Conclusion Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a possible approach to right colonic...
JSLS, Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 2010
Background: Numerous recent reports describe the performance of laparoscopic procedures through a... more Background: Numerous recent reports describe the performance of laparoscopic procedures through a single incision. Although the feasibility of this approach for a variety of procedures is currently being established, little data are available regarding safety. Case Report: A 65-year-old female patient who was transferred from an outside institution had undergone a single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy that resulted in biliary tract and vascular injuries. Methods: The patient was transferred with a known bile duct injury on the first postoperative day following single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Review of her magnetic resonance imaging and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram studies showed a Bismuth type 3 bile duct injury. Hepatic angiogram demonstrated an occlusion of the right hepatic artery with collateralization from the left hepatic artery. She was initially managed conservatively with a right-sided external biliary drain, followed 6 weeks later by a Hepp-Couinaud procedure to reconstruct the biliary tract. Conclusion: As new techniques evolve, it is imperative that safety, or potential side effects, or both safety and side effects, be monitored, because no learning curve is established for these new techniques. In these initial stages, surgeons should have a low threshold to add additional ports when necessary to ensure that procedures are completed safely.
Pottery is fully involved in the daily life of people, either individually or collectively, and i... more Pottery is fully involved in the daily life of people, either individually or collectively, and is a key element in a wide range of activities. Thus, human communities create, use and discard material culture that is strongly related to the values, needs, norms and beliefs of the groups. Within each group, material culture can also inform about the specificity of each of the individuals that takes part in it. In this sense, objects and individuals depend on each other and can be only understood by considering both of them together. Archaeologically, these kinds of perspectives on material culture involves going beyond materiality itself and the explanatory models based on functionalism and ecology, as well as overcoming the economic viewpoints that dominate most interpretations of technology currently developed from ceramic archaeometry. As previously discussed, such approaches are usually focused more on the own view of the researcher than on the others', being characterised by having prejudices that are typical of western and contemporary societies. In these ethnocentric perspectives technology plays a key role and, consequently, is imposed on the cultural meanings of the past. In this way, western rationalist culture has traditionally rejected naturalism as a relevant cultural trait. The natural dimension of the objects is often considered taboo and materiality, as inanimate and unchanging, so that the objects we use in everyday life do not have any symbolic meaning worth studying. In western and modern societies there is a "technological somnambulism" (Winner, 2004) which promotes an explicit division between technology and people, while in pre-modern societies one is embedded in the other. In this way, in all societies-including modern and western culture-pottery must be considered semantically promiscuous (Barley 1994) and that it has meanings that go beyond the technical, economic and functional dimensions. However, in western and modern societies a viewpoint about materiality prevails in which culture acts passively as opposed to technology, which is essentially active and even deterministic (
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Papers by Edward Lin