Quality of Life After the Magenstrasse and Mill Procedure for Morbid Obesity

Background:The authors assessed the quality of life (QOL) of patients after the Magenstrasse and Mill (MM) procedure for morbid obesity (MO) and compared this with the QOL of MO patients and non-obese controls. Methods: Personal, postal and telephone questionnaire survey was completed by 82 patients after the M-M procedure, 35 MO patients and 20 normal controls. QOL was assessed by Short Form 36 (SF36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, and obesity surgery related questionnaire. Results: Physical, social and psychological wellbeing of patients was substantially better after the M-M compared with their MO counterparts. After the M-M procedure, patients were significantly less depressed but remained anxious when compared with morbidly obese patients. The majority of patients (88%) were pleased with the result of surgery. Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that the M-M procedure for MO leads to a substantially better QOL.     

Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Bariatric surgery is a treatment for severely obese patients.We examined the efficacy of bariatric surgery, addressing three questions: 1) "What is the overall weight reduction following bariatric surgery?" 2) "What complications are associated with bariatric surgery?" 3) "What impact does weight loss have on obesity-related comorbidity?" Methods: Fixed and random effects meta-analyses were used to determine the amount of weight reduction following bariatric surgery. The influence of a variety of co-variates that could affect study results was examined. Information from evidencebased sources was used to explore the impact of weight loss on comorbidities. Results: Meta-analyses results were affected by loss to follow-up, and within-study heterogeneity of variance. Therefore, results were pooled from studies with complete patient follow-up. Meta-analysis of six studies reporting weight loss at 1 year and four studies with mean follow-up of 9 months to 7 years demonstrated BMI reductions of 16.4 kg/m² and 13.3 kg/m², respectively. Weight reduction following bariatric surgery may be associated with improvements in risk factors for cardiac disease including hypertension, type 2 diabetes and lipid abnormalities, and may decrease the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is appropriate for obese patients (BMI>40 kg/m² or ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidity) in whom non-surgical treatment options were unsuccessful. Additional research is needed to examine the long-term benefits of weight loss following bariatric surgery, particularly with respect to obesity-related comorbidities.     

Morbid Obesity and Gastric Bypass Surgery: Biochemical Profile

Background: Morbid obesity (MO) and the pathologies associated with it constitute an important public health problem, accounting for 7% of the health expenditure in industrialized countries. An important percentage of this expense is attributed to the different biochemical tests performed in these patients, who suffer from several metabolic derangements. We evaluated the basic biochemical abnormalities in MO patients and their reversibility by weight loss after gastric bypass, to standardize the surveillance of the different metabolic abnormalities in obese patients. Methods: By a retrospective analysis on 125 patients operated in our hospital, we evaluated anthropometric and biochemical data before and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after gastric bypass. Results: Preoperatively hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertensive disease were present, and began to improve 1 and 3 months after surgery (although not significantly) and significantly at 6, 12 and 24 months after it. We also observed deficient protein nutrition and a deficiency of micronutrients both before bypass and during the follow-up. Conclusion: After gastric bypass, a marked decrease in insulin occurred, with normalization of blood pressure and the biochemical parameters associated with the metabolic syndrome. We propose a biochemical follow-up protocol for MO patients.     

Morbid Obesity,Hypertensive Disease and the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Axis

Background: Resistance to insulin and secondary hyperinsulinemia seem to be the putative link between morbid obesity (MO) and hypertensive disease (HD). Adipose tissue can secrete leptin and angiotensinogen, among other substances. Leptin activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to HD. Angiotensinogen is a substrate for renin, therefore taking part in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis and the regulation of blood pressure. In MO, both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the adipocytes lead to an increase in the secretion of both substances, leading to loss of the equilibrium between the levels of both hormones. The aim of the present study was to evaluate these abnormalities and their potential reversibility following bariatric surgery. Methods: Data from 100 patients with MO was retrospectively evaluated. Anthropometric data, the plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma levels of aldosterone, ACE, potassium and sodium were collected both prior to surgery and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery. Results: The waist-hip ratio (WHR) before surgery allowed classification of our patients in two groups: central obesity (WHR ≥0.90 in men and ≥0.85 in women); peripheral obesity (WHR <0.90 in men and <0.85 in women). In patients with central obesity, high levels of PRA, aldosterone and ACE with sodium retention and potassium loss and high insulin levels, were found. These changes were not found in patients with peripheral obesity. After gastric bypass, these abnormalities tended to disappear, mainly in the first 6 months. Conclusions: The reduction of BMI and WHR after gastric bypass confirmed this operation to be effective against MO. The high basal levels of insulin and the high rate of HD and diabetes in patients with central obesity seem to indicate that they suffer a metabolic syndrome with significant hormonal imbalances and sodium retention. Patients with peripheral obesity only showed a peripheral resistance against insulin, probably with a shorter duration of the hormonal action, but they did not show hormonal abnormalities or sodium retention. After gastric bypass these abnormal hormone levels tended to normalize.     

The Magenstrasse and Mill Procedure can be Combined with a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Produce Greater and Sustained Weight Loss

Background: The Magenstrasse and Mill operation (M&M) is effective in producing sustained weight loss and reducing obesity-related co-morbidity. It avoids the implantation of foreign material and is a more physiological procedure by maintaining normal gastric emptying. Side-effects are minimal and operative mortality is low. Satisfactory weight loss is seen at 1 year with 60% of excess weight lost. The present study compared weight loss produced by the combination of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) with the standard M&M procedure. Methods: Between 1993 and 2001, 118 patients underwent surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity. 70 patients between 1993 and 1998 underwent only a M&M vertical gastric stapling, and 48 patients from 1998 underwent the M&M combined with a RYGBP. Results: Median follow-up for the M&M procedure was 36 months (range 1 to 72) and for the combined M & M and RYGBP was 30 months (range 1 to 48). At all time points following surgery, patients having a RYGBP performed in addition to the standard M&M procedure demonstrated a significantly greater amount of weight lost (P<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test) and overall percentage of excess weight lost (P<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). Both groups had a significant reduction in BMI, although this was greater in the group that underwent the combined procedure at 3 years (P<0.001, sample t-test). Conclusions: A more rapid and prolonged weight loss was found when the M&M procedure was performed in combination with a RYGBP. This suggests that this combined procedure may be more beneficial when greater amounts of weight loss are needed in the super-obese.     

The Mini-Gastric Bypass: Experience with the First 1,274 Cases

Background: Results of the laparoscopic Mini-Gastric Bypass (MGB) are reported. Methods: 1,274 MGB patients are continuously monitored as part of an online computer tracking data-base system. Results: Mean preoperative weight (± Standard Deviation) was 132 ± 21 kg, BMI 47 ± 7. Mean excess weight loss was 51% at 6 months, 68% at 12 months and 77% at 2 years. The mean operating-time was 36.9 ± 33.5 minutes. The shortest time was 19 minutes. Hospital stay was 1.5 ± 1.6 days. The overall complication rate has been 5.2%.The overall rate of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was 0.08% and 0.16% respectively. The leak rate was 1.6%. There was one hospital death, 0.08%. Associated medical illnesses were either completely reversed or markedly improved. Conclusions: The MGB is safe, results in major weight loss, has a short operating-time, and has a short hospital stay.The MGB appears to meet many of the criteria of an "ideal" weight loss operation.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity with Linear Gastroenterostomy

Background: Laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) is a well-established procedure for the surgical management of morbid obesity. Most surgeons create the gastroenteral anastomosis by using the circular EEA stapler. We describe an alternative laparoscopic anastomotic technique using the EndoGIA linear stapling device. Methods: The stomach was proximally transected with a linear stapler (45 mm, Endo-GIA) to create a 15 to 20 ml pouch. Next, an antecolic Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy was performed, using the 45 mm Endo-GIA. The proximal loop of the intestine was then separated from the anastomotic site by the Endo-GIA. Finally, the Endo-GIA was used for the intraabdominal creation of a side-to-side enteroenterostomy. Results: Between June and August 2001, 5 patients with mean BMI 56.7 kg/m²±7.3 underwent LGBP. All patients were seen 6 months post-surgery. Operating time was 7.5 and 6.5 hours for the first 2 operations, but was under 4.5 h for the next 3 cases. 1 patient suffered from perioperative hypoxia leading to long-term artificial respiration. 6 weeks after surgery, 1 patient developed obstruction due to torsion of the enteroenterostomy and required open revision. The 3 remaining patients made an uneventful recovery. All patients lost considerable weight (mean 36.5 kg; [range 32 to 45] after 6 months). No stenosis or anastomotic leakage was noted. Conclusions: A linear stapled anastomosis is an alternative to the use of the circular stapler.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with 2-metre Long Biliopancreatic Limb for Morbid Obesity: Technique and Experience with the First 150 Patients

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is being performed widely as a treatment of choice for morbid obesity. We present our method and experience with the first 150 consecutive cases of laparoscopic RYGBP with a 2-m long biliopancreatic limb (BP-limb). Methods: Between November 2001 and November 2003, a prospective analysis of 150 patients was performed identifying technical success and complications. Before surgery, patients underwent a strict multidisciplinary behavioral program. At operation the stomach was transected proximally with a linear stapler (60-mm, Endo-GIA) to create a prolongation of the esophagus (gastric tube) along the lesser curvature, resulting in a 40-50 ml pouch. Two meters of the proximal jejunum were bypassed (BP-limb), creating an antecolic Roux-en-Y gastro-jejunostomy to the posterior wall of the gastric tube using a 45-mm linear Endo-GIA stapler. The entero-anastomosis was created 50 cm below the gastro-jejunostomy, also with a 45-mm linear Endo-GIA. Results: Mean BMI was 50.0, and 78% of patients were females. With 100% follow-up, we found an EWL of 50% 6 months after surgery, gradually rising to 80% after 18 months. The mean operating time was 116 min for the first 50 cases and decreased to 82 min for the last 50 cases. Intestinal leakage occurred in 5 patients (3%) and bleeding in 5 (3%). Most of these complications occurred in the first 50 cases, and all but one were treated successfully with an early laparoscopic re-operation. Marginal ulcers were found in 16.6% of patients. No internal hernias have occurred. Conclusion: The operation demands advanced laparoscopic skills, but technically it is relatively simple and has an acceptable complication rate. Short-term results regarding excess weight loss are at least comparable to the RYGBP with a long alimentary limb.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Results of our Learning Curve in 100 Consecutive Patients

Background: Morbid obesity requires life-long treatment, and bariatric surgery provides the best results. Among the bariatric procedures, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) has been considered to be superior. However, it requires advanced laparoscopic skills and a learning curve. We analyzed our results in an initial series of 100 patients. Methods: Data of 100 consecutive patients who underwent LRYGBP for morbid obesity in a 2.5-year period were prospectively collected and analyzed with emphasis on results and complications. Results: Mean age was 31±5 years. There were 63 woman and 37 men. Preoperative BMI was 50±9 kg/m². 33 patients were considered super-obese (BMI>50). Mean operative time was 3.8 ± 0.7 hours. Two patients required conversion to open surgery. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. Complications occurred in 10 patients. Mortality rate was 2%. Excess body weight loss was as follows: 33 ± 8% at 3 months (n=92), 47 ± 2% at 6 months (n=82), 62 ± 4% at 1 year (n= 70), 66 ± 5% at 18 months (n= 63) and 67 ± 8% at 2 years (n= 35). There was significant improvement in several co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion: LRYGBP is a reproducible technique. It requires the combination of bariatric and laparoscopic expertise.     

Recommendations Regarding Obesity Surgery

In France, 1,000 obese persons per month undergo a bariatric operation. Obesity surgery requires coordination and monitoring of aftercare. The French public health-care insurer asked the medical associations involved in obesity management to provide guidelines for obesity surgery. The recommendations were developed by the national associations of Obesity, Nutrition and Diabetes: the Association Fran?aise d'Etudes et de Recherches sur l'Obésité (AFERO), member of the EASO and IASO; the Association de Langue Fran?aise pour l'Etude du Diabète et des Maladies Métaboliques (ALFEDIAM); the Société Fran?aise de Nutrition (SFN); and the Société Fran?aise de Chirurgie de l'Obésité (SOFCO). This article presents the short version of the guidelines.     

Fibrin Glue as a Sealant for High-Risk Anastomosis in Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Fibrin sealants promote hemostasis and wound healing. Complex revisional surgery is performed for morbid obesity, and high-risk patients undergo weight loss surgery routinely. Fibrin sealant, Tisseel™, was used by one surgeon on 120 consecutive patients at the gastrojejunal anastomosis in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP).We hypothesized that the application of fibrin sealant would decrease anastomotic leaks. Methods: One surgeon (Surgeon A) used fibrin sealant for 120 consecutive patients, while two other surgeons (Surgeons B & C) served as controls and did not use fibrin glue for their last 120 patients. Surgeon A did not use fibrin glue in 120 patients to serve as an internal control. All 480 patients underwent a RYGBP. Fibrin glue was applied at the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Results: The fibrin sealant group did not have any documented leaks on the previous 120 patients, while 5 patients with Surgeon B, 2 patients with Surgeon C and 1 patient with Surgeon A without fibrin sealant experienced enteric leaks requiring re-operation, drainage, or long-term total parenteral nutrition (N=480 total patients). Conclusions: Fibrin sealant may be useful in preventing leaks and promoting healing of the "high risk" anastomosis during complex gastrointestinal surgery. While the cost of fibrin glue is to be considered, re-operation and management of subsequent enterocutanous fistulas or anastomotic strictures may be more costly than routine use for high-risk morbidly obese patients.     

Weight Reduction after an Early Version of the Open Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Results after 23 Years

Background: While numerous promising short-term results of open gastric bypass for morbid obesity were published, the long-term outcome of earlier versions was somewhat disappointing. Thus, it was not until 1993 that this procedure was reintroduced with current modifications and now performed laparoscopically. Published long-term results of gastric bypass are still lacking. Methods: Out of an original population of 195 patients, we retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 98 patients (82 women, 16 men, mean age 32 years [range 17-54], mean weight 132 kg [range 65-200], mean BMI 46.6 kg/m²) operated on in Erlangen with mean follow-up 22.9 years (range 16.5-25.4). 3 different bariatric operations were performed: horizontal gastroplasty (HGP, n=18), stapled Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (S-RYGBP, n=14) and transected Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (T-RYGBP, n=66). BMI and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were calculated at time 0, and after 1, 2, 3, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. Results: Statistically significant weight loss was found for the whole patient population at every postoperative time-point compared to preoperative values. Maximal weight loss was achieved mainly during the first 3 years. However, initial and long-term outcome after HGP was significantly worse than after S-RYGBP or T-RYGBP. Gender did not significantly influence the results. Conclusion: Traditional open gastric bypass resulted in acceptable and safe long-term weight reduction. It may be assumed that laparoscopic gastric bypass with modern tiny pouch volumes based on the lesser curvature achieves even better and life-long weight reduction.     

Singapore Experience in Obesity Surgery

Background: The outcome of bariatric surgery has been well documented in large series in the West. In Asia, where obesity has been less rampant, such surgery has been correspondingly less frequent, and there is a dearth of information on bariatric surgery on Asians. Method: The outcome of a personal series of 40 patients who underwent "gastric stapling" and banding from 1987 to 2003 in Singapore is analyzed. Results: From 1987 to 1997, 26 patients underwent open bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 4, vertical banded gastroplasty 22). Initial mean BMI was 43.3 kg/m². At 0.6, 1, 2, 4 and 8 years after surgery, mean BMI was 35.2, 31.9, 31.2, 31.1 and 34.1 kg/m². Mean initial weight was 127.2 kg. %EWL was 42.2, 56.2, 56.9, 56.3 and 48.3%. From 1999 to 2003, 14 patients underwent adjustable gastric banding, 11 by laparoscopy. Initial mean BMI was 42.9 kg/m². At 0.6, 1 and 2 years, mean BMI was 38.9, 36.6, and 32.6 kg/m². Mean initial weight was 122.6 kg. %EWL was 26.6, 38.8 and 59.2%. One patient, following perigastric insertion of Lap-Band^? developed band slippage and gastric prolapse requiring removal. Since adopting the newer technique of combined pars flaccida and perigastric dissection in the last 6 patients, no band slippage has occurred. Conclusion: Our results of safety and low operative morbidity as well as the pattern and magnitude of weight loss following gastric stapling and banding for morbidly obese patients in Singapore appears to be similar to the Western experience.     

Silastic Ring Vertical Gastric Bypass: Evolution of an Open Surgical Technique,and Review of 1,588 Cases

Background: Silastic ring vertical gastric bypass (SRVGBP) has evolved from a stapled (SSRVGBP) to a transected (TSRVGBP), and finally to a transected pouch with jejunal interposition (TSRVGBP with J-I). The creation of the gastroenterostomy evolved from a hand-sewn to a stapled and finally to a combined stapled and hand-sewn anastomosis. The circumference of the ring was increased from 5.5 to 6.0 cm. We address the effect of these modifications on surgical outcome. Method: The records of 1,588 consecutive patients (mean BMI of 44.5) since 1990 who had a SRVGBP were indentified from a prospective data-base of all patients undergoing bariatric operations. 205 patients with a prior bariatric operation were excluded from the review, leaving 1,383 patients who had a primary SRVGBP. Results: In the 193 SRVGBP patients, there was 1 gastric leak (0.5%) and 64 gastrogastric fistulas (33.2%). In the 165 TSRVGBP patients, there were 4 gastric leaks (2.4%) and 14 gastrogastric fistulas (8.5%). In the 1,025 patients with TSRVGBP with JI, there were 8 gastric leaks (0.8%) and no gastro-gastric fistulas. In the TSRVGBP with J-I, 367 patients had a hand-sewn, 16 a stapled, and 642 a combined stapled and hand-sewn anastomosis. Stricture rate was 3.8%, 31%, and 2.6% respectively. There were 7 ring migrations (0.7%), all in the totally hand-sewn group. Ring removal was necessary in 20 (5%) with a 5.5-cm and 4 (0.74%) with a 6.0-cm ring. Conclusion: TSRVGBP with J-I with a combined stapled and hand-sewn gastrojejunal anastomosis using a 6.0-cm ring decreased the incidence of complications, and is our current technique.     

Virtual Gastroduodenoscopy: A New Look at the Bypassed Stomach and Duodenum After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Background: After open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for morbid obesity, the bypassed stomach and duodenum are not readily available for radiological and endoscopic evaluation. Furthermore, little is known about the long-term physiologic and histologic changes that occur in the bypassed GI segments following these procedures. Many alternative radiological and endoscopic techniques have been described to access the distal gastric pouch and the duodenum after RYGBP. Apart from percutaneous gastrografin? studies, all these techniques require the insertion of a gastrostomy tube in the distal stomach. Methods: a new diagnostic method to access the bypassed segments by virtual CT gastroscopy (VG) was used in 5 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGBP (LRYGBP). Results: All patients tolerated the procedure well, which appears safe and suitable for an outpatient setting.The virtual images offered an excellent intraluminal view of the stomach and duodenum. Conclusions: VG holds promise as the method of choice in the follow-up of LRYGB patients, having the potential to detect inflammatory changes and cancer in the excluded segments early.     

Gastric Bypass in a Japanese Man with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Morbid Obesity

Background: In Prader-Willi syndrome (PrWS), marked obesity is the most serious and common complication, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Because of the associated psychosocial difficulties, bariatric surgery appears to be the only effective treatment. Case Report: A 30-year-old man with PrWS weighing 108 kg (BMI 50 kg/m²), underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). 3 months before the RYGBP, he weighed 146 kg (BMI 68.5), partly because of heart failure. 18 months after RYGBP, he weighed 92.4 kg (BMI 43.3), with no postoperative complications. Moreover, he showed considerable increase in serum HDL-cholesterol levels with reciprocal reduction in LDL-cholesterol after the surgery. Conclusion: RYGBP resulted in satisfactory weight loss and improvement in serum lipid profile in a Japanese morbidly obese patient with PrWS.     

Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: a Comparison

Background: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass (GBP) are the two bariatric procedures recommended by NIH consensus conference. Recent advancement in laparoscopic (L) techniques has made LVBG and LGBP alternatives for the conventional open approach. Methods: From December 2000 to February 2002, 80 patients (24 men and 56 women; mean age 32 years, range 18-57) with morbid obesity (mean BMI 43.2 kg/m², range 36-59.8) were enrolled in a prospective trial and randomly assigned to LVBG or LGBP. Changes in quality of life were assessed using the Gastro-intestinal quality of life index (GIQLI). Results: The conversion rate was zero for LVBG and 2.5% (1/40) for LGBP. There has been no mortality. Surgical time was significantly longer for LGBP (209 minvs 126 min for LVBG, P<0.001).Mean hospital stay was 3.5 days for the LVBG vs 5.7 days for LGBP (P<0.001). Postoperative analgesic usage was also less for LVBG patients (mean dose 1.4 vs 2.4, P<0.05). Early complication rate was higher in the LGBP group (17.8% vs 2.5%, P<0.001). All 3 major complications were in the LGBP group, of which 2 were related to anastomotic leakage (5%). Late complications consisted of upper GI bleeding, stenosis and others observed in 4 LGBP patients (10%) and 2 LVBG patients (5%). Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 18 to 30). BMI fell significantly in both groups, with significant improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities. LGBP had significantly better excess weight loss than LVBG (62.9% vs 55.4% at 1 year and 71.4% vs 53.1% at 2 years), as well as lower BMI than LVBG (29.6 vs 31.1 at 1 year and 28.5 vs 31.9 at 2 years). There was no difference in the reduction of obesity-related laboratory abnormalities at 1 year except a lower hemoglobin in LGBP (11.8 vs 13.8, P<0.05). Preoperative GIQLI scores were similar between the groups; however, at 1 year, LGBP patients had better GIOLI scores than LVBG patients (121 vs 106, P<0.01). LVBG had improvement in physical condition, social function and emotional conditioning but deterioration in GI symptoms which resulted in no increase in total GIQLI score. Conclusion: LGBP was a time-consuming demanding technique with a higher early complication rate compared with LVBG. Although both operations resulted in significant weight reduction and decrease in obesity-related co-morbidities, LGBP had a trend of greater weight loss and significantly better GIQLI than LVBG at the cost of a significant long-term trace element deficiency state. Each patient should be individualized for the operations according to the patient's decision.     

Gastric Cancer Occurring After Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

A case of gastric cancer after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is presented. A 44-year-old man presented with vomiting and weight loss 6 years after VBG. Endoscopy revealed a poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy and received chemotherapy. He expired 6 months later. From our case and review of the literature, development of gastric cancer after VBG is very rare. The authors suggest that patients undergoing VBG be monitored by endoscopy after the operation.     

Laparoscopic Swedish Adjustable Gastric Banding: 6-year Follow-up and Comparison to other Laparoscopic Bariatric Procedures

Background: The advantages of laparoscopy over open surgery are well known. The aim of this study was to compare our results with Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) with other laparoscopically performed bariatric procedures (gastric bypass, LapBand^?, vertical banded gastroplasty). Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2001, 454 patients (381 women, 73 men) underwent laparoscopic SAGB. All data (demographic and morphologic, co-morbidities, operative, and follow-up) were prospectively collected in a computerized databank. Results: Mean follow-up was 30 months (range 1-66). Average total weight loss was 35.5 kg after 1 year, reaching an average total of 54 kg after 3 years. Mean excess weight loss was 72% after 3 years, and the BMI decreased from 46.7 to 28.1 kg/m². Patients with co-morbidities reported marked improvement of their accompanying diseases. Complications requiring reoperation occurred in 7.9%. There was no mortality. The clinical outcome compared with the other laparoscopic bariatric procedures showed no significant difference. Conclusion: All laparoscopically performed bariatric procedures are very promising. The great advantage of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is that this operation is minimally invasive to the stomach, totally reversible and adjustable to the patients' needs.     

Gastric Schwannoma Found Incidentally 19 Years After a Horizontal Gastroplasty for Morbid Obesity

This report represents the first known case of a gastric schwannoma in a patient subsequent to a gastric stapling and partitioning procedure for morbid obesity. The submucosal tumor found in the collapsed distal portion of the stomach was merely an incidental finding and it appeared that all of the patient's ongoing symptomatology (nausea and vomiting after meals) was a reflection of the chronic obstruction that was present at the gastric partitioning staple-line. No correlation between gastric stapling and partitioning and the development of gastric schwannoma is known or is suggested in this report.