Mena Boules, MD

Mena Boules, MD

Greater Cleveland
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Activity

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Experience

Education

  • Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine

    -

Licenses & Certifications

  • ECFMG

    -

Volunteer Experience

Publications

  • Effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a comparative study.

    Surgery of Obesity & Related Diseases.

    BACKGROUND:
    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States; 85%-95% of the morbidly obese population have NAFLD and 33% have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. There is a lack of comparative data assessing various bariatric procedures and their effect on NAFLD.
    OBJECTIVES:
    To assess and compare the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on NAFLD.
    SETTING:
    Academic Center, United States
    METHODS:
    All…

    BACKGROUND:
    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States; 85%-95% of the morbidly obese population have NAFLD and 33% have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. There is a lack of comparative data assessing various bariatric procedures and their effect on NAFLD.
    OBJECTIVES:
    To assess and compare the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on NAFLD.
    SETTING:
    Academic Center, United States
    METHODS:
    All bariatric cases performed at the authors' institution (an academic center in the United States) between 2005 and 2012 that had both intraoperative and postoperative liver biopsies were included. NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) and fibrosis stages were used to evaluate improvement in liver histology.
    RESULTS:
    Fourteen RYGB and 9 SG patients with liver biopsies were identified. 57% and 73% in each group were female, respectively. P = .2. RYGB patients were older (56.2 ± 8.6 versus 46.3 ± 11.7; P<.05), and had lower initial body mass index (BMI) and higher NAS (51.0 ± 13.0 kg/m(2) versus 72.7 ± 21.0 kg/m(2); P<.05) and (4.4 ± 1.7 versus 2.6 ± 1.6; P<.05), respectively. Prevalence of co-morbidities was comparable between groups. After a mean follow-up of 1.5 years, weight loss percentage was 32% ± 11.8% and 25% ± 6.8% after RYGB and SG, respectively (P value not significant). Percentage of excess weight loss was higher in RYGB patients (69.8% ± 27% versus 37.2% ± 12.3%; P<.05). NAS after RYGB significantly improved in all morphologic characteristics, whereas only steatosis and total NAS improved after SG. Fibrosis state improved in both groups but to a greater degree after RYGB (2.5 ± 1.3 versus .3 ± .6; P< .05).
    CONCLUSIONS:
    There were no significant differences in NAS score decrease after RYGB and SG procedures, although the baseline characteristics of the groups differ. This exploratory data supports the idea of conducting a randomized trial to determine the differential effects of SG and RYGB on NAFLD.

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  • Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Is Not a Vascular Disease.

    Annals of Vascular Surgery

    BACKGROUND:
    Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder characterized by postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and celiac stenosis. Diagnosis can be challenging, leading to a delay in treatment. We report on our continued experience using a laparoscopic approach for this uncommon diagnosis.
    METHODS:
    This is an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospectively collected retrospective analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic MAL release at our institution. Data…

    BACKGROUND:
    Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder characterized by postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and celiac stenosis. Diagnosis can be challenging, leading to a delay in treatment. We report on our continued experience using a laparoscopic approach for this uncommon diagnosis.
    METHODS:
    This is an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospectively collected retrospective analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic MAL release at our institution. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative approach, and postoperative outcomes. Patients were then contacted to complete a postoperative survey designed to assess the improvement of symptoms and overall patient satisfaction.
    RESULTS:
    A total of 39 patients (33 women and 6 men) underwent laparoscopic MAL release from March 2007 to July 2014. Mean age was 40.6 years (range, 17-77 years). Thirty of 39 patients had a postoperative celiac axis ultrasound. Twenty-three had a patent celiac axis on postoperative duplex. Of the remaining 7, 5 with residual celiac axis stenosis and 1 with occlusion, reported complete resolution of their symptoms. One remaining patient with occlusion remained symptomatic. Thirty-three of 39 (84.6%) reported symptom relief after surgery. Nine of 33 (27.3%) responders had cardiovascular risk factors versus 4 of 6 (67%) nonresponders. Five patients with atypical presentations underwent preoperative diagnostic celiac plexus block using local anesthetic, with 4 reporting symptom reliefs after block.
    CONCLUSIONS:
    Laparoscopic MAL release continues to be a safe and effective means of managing MALS. Our data suggest that the symptoms associated with MALS are not related to vascular compromise, and atherosclerotic risk factors may predict poorer outcomes. Symptomatic relief is seen in the vast majority of patients undergoing this procedure. However, patient selection remains critically important in obtaining optimal results.

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  • Minilaparoscopy with Interchangeable, Full 5-mm End Effectors: First Human Use of a New Minimally Invasive Operating Platform.

    Journal of Laparoendoscopic Advanced Surgical Techniques

    BACKGROUND:
    The most common paradigm in minimally invasive surgery is entry of a single trocar through separate incisions in the abdomen. However, in an effort to decrease postoperative pain and minimize scarring, alternative techniques have been described. Needlescopic surgery uses instruments that are 3 mm or less in diameter. Prior uses of needlescopic instruments have been hindered somewhat by diminished shaft strength and small end-effector size. The Percuvance™ (Teleflex, Wayne, PA)…

    BACKGROUND:
    The most common paradigm in minimally invasive surgery is entry of a single trocar through separate incisions in the abdomen. However, in an effort to decrease postoperative pain and minimize scarring, alternative techniques have been described. Needlescopic surgery uses instruments that are 3 mm or less in diameter. Prior uses of needlescopic instruments have been hindered somewhat by diminished shaft strength and small end-effector size. The Percuvance™ (Teleflex, Wayne, PA) system uses a 2.9-mm shaft with interchangeable 5-mm end effectors in order to minimize abdominal wall trauma while maintaining the functionality of traditional laparoscopic instruments.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS:
    All patients evaluated for laparoscopic surgery by two surgeons with a foregut and general surgery practice at the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH) were included in the study. Fifteen consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Patient demographics and operative results were reviewed.
    RESULTS:
    In March 2015, 15 patients underwent surgery using the Percuvance surgical system at the Cleveland Clinic. There was one conversion to open surgery due to extensive intraabdominal adhesions and unclear anatomy. There was one re-exploration for presumed anastomotic leak, which was negative. Operative time and length of hospital stay were similar to those of standard laparoscopic procedures. There were no deaths in this series. Subjective surgeon experience was overall positive, and functionality of the Percuvance system seemed equal to that of standard 5-mm laparoscopic instrumentation.
    CONCLUSIONS:
    This initial experience with the Percuvance system demonstrated effective exchange of 5-mm port sites for needlescopic instruments with similar handling to traditional laparoscopic instruments. This interchangeable system may allow performance similar to standard laparoscopic port instrument orientation and principles in the setting of decreased-caliber access.

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  • Not all abdominal pain is gastrointestinal.

    Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Decompression of Nonmalignant Gastrointestinal Disease.

    Journal of Laparoendoscopic Advanced Surgical Techniques

    INTRODUCTION:
    The utility of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) decompression for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction is well documented. However, there are limited data on decompressive PEG for prolonged ileus, gut dysmotility, and/or complicated nonmalignant bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and short-term outcomes of decompressive PEG for nonmalignant indications.
    SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
    After Institutional Review Board approval, we…

    INTRODUCTION:
    The utility of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) decompression for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction is well documented. However, there are limited data on decompressive PEG for prolonged ileus, gut dysmotility, and/or complicated nonmalignant bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and short-term outcomes of decompressive PEG for nonmalignant indications.
    SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
    After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed all PEG insertions completed at our institution between 2009 and 2014 for prolonged ileus, gut dysmotility, or nonmalignant obstruction.
    RESULTS:
    We identified 72 patients (42 females, 30 males; mean age, 58.8 ± 15.2 years) who underwent decompressive PEG for nonmalignant indications. There were no procedural complications or mortalities. The mean pre- and postprocedural length of stays were 14.4 ± 10.7 and 7.6 ± 11.1 days, respectively (P = .0003). The 30-day re-admission rate was 12.5% (9 patients; the majority for unrelated issues). Fifty-two (72%) of the 72 patients were discharged with a PEG for decompression for a median of 69.5 (range, 17-316) days; the remaining 20 (28%) patients were lost to follow-up and were assumed to continue follow-up with their primary referring center. Of the 72 patients, 63 (87.5%) were discharged on total parenteral nutrition (TPN); 36 (50%) of those continued to receive TPN for a median of 51 (range, 4-316) days after discharge, and resolution of their mechanical obstruction was ultimately achieved, so that they subsequently resumed enteral nutrition.
    CONCLUSIONS:
    Decompressive PEG insertion is safe and effective at alleviating obstructive symptoms in patients with prolonged postoperative ileus, gut dysmotility, and/or complicated nonmalignant obstruction.

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  • The incidence of hiatal hernia and technical feasibility of repair during bariatric surgery.

    Surgery

    PURPOSE:
    To evaluate the incidence and outcomes of hiatal hernias (HH) that are repaired concomitantly during bariatric surgery.
    METHODS:
    We identified patients who had concomitant HH repair during bariatric surgery from 2010 to 2014. Data collected included baseline demographics, perioperative parameters, type of HH repair, and postoperative outcomes.
    RESULTS:
    A total of 83 underwent concomitant HH during study period. The male-to-female ratio was 1:8, mean age was 57.2 ± 10.0…

    PURPOSE:
    To evaluate the incidence and outcomes of hiatal hernias (HH) that are repaired concomitantly during bariatric surgery.
    METHODS:
    We identified patients who had concomitant HH repair during bariatric surgery from 2010 to 2014. Data collected included baseline demographics, perioperative parameters, type of HH repair, and postoperative outcomes.
    RESULTS:
    A total of 83 underwent concomitant HH during study period. The male-to-female ratio was 1:8, mean age was 57.2 ± 10.0 years, and mean body mass index was 44.5 ± 7.9 kg/m(2). A total of 61 patients had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 22 had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. HH was diagnosed before bariatric surgery in 32 (39%) subjects, whereas 51 (61%) were diagnosed intraoperatively. Primary hernia repair was performed with anterior reconstruction in 45 (54%) patients, posterior in 21 (25%), and additional mesh placement in 7 (8%). A total of 24 early minor postoperative symptoms were reported. At 12 month follow-up, mean body mass index improved to 30.0 ± 6.2 kg/m(2), and anti-reflux medication was decreased from 84% preoperatively to 52%. Late postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients. A comparative analysis with a matched 1:1 control group displayed no significant differences in operative time (P = .07), duration of stay (P = .9), intraoperative complications, or early (P = .09) and late post-operative symptoms (P = .3). In addition, no differences were noted in terms of weight-loss outcomes.
    CONCLUSION:
    The true incidence of HH may be underestimated before bariatric surgery. Combined repair of HH during bariatric surgery appears safe and feasible.

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  • Pre-operative opioid analgesia reduces clinical success of laparoscopic gastric electrical stimulation placement in patients with gastroparesis.

    Surgical Endoscopy

    Gastroparesis is a common chronic and costly disorder for which medical therapy is often unsuccessful. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been used to treat refractory cases, however, response is variable and difficult to predict. This study aims to assess whether pre-operative opioid analgesics (OA) use affects clinical success of GES.
    METHODS:
    Records of 128 patients who underwent laparoscopic GES placement from March 2001 to September 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Data…

    Gastroparesis is a common chronic and costly disorder for which medical therapy is often unsuccessful. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been used to treat refractory cases, however, response is variable and difficult to predict. This study aims to assess whether pre-operative opioid analgesics (OA) use affects clinical success of GES.
    METHODS:
    Records of 128 patients who underwent laparoscopic GES placement from March 2001 to September 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Data collected included demographics, surgical outcomes, and clinical parameters. Pre- and post-operative opioid analgesic dosing (No = 0 morphine equivalents (ME)/day, Low = 0-40 ME/day, Mid = 41-80 ME/day, High >80 ME/day), as well as clinical symptom assessment was collected for up to 3 years post-operatively. Clinical success was defined as (1) OA reduction of >50 %, (2) maintenance of weight, or (3) symptom improvement. Descriptive statistics were computed for all factors. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
    RESULTS:
    Fifty-three patients were on OA pre-operatively compared to 69 patients who were not. Patients not on OA pre-operatively were less likely than those on OA pre-op group to be on OA post-operatively (p = 0.005); however, there were no differences in weight or symptom improvement. Sub-group analysis of the 53 patients on OA demonstrated significant improvement in clinical symptoms in the low-morphine cohort compared to the mid-morphine cohort (p = 0.02), and OA dosing post-operatively in the low-morphine cohort diminished significantly compared to mid- and high-morphine cohort (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in weight.
    CONCLUSION:
    OA dosing pre-operatively significantly affects clinical success of GES placement. Criteria for offering GES implantation may need to take OA dosing into consideration.

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  • An Intriguing Endoscopic Case of Asymptomatic Crohn’s Disease

    Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports

    Other authors
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Honors & Awards

  • 2020 One Takeda Corporate Award

    Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Organizations

  • American Gastroenterological Association

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    - Present
  • American College of Gastroenterology

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    - Present
  • ASMBS

    Member

    - Present
  • SAGES

    Member

    - Present

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