Initial Evaluation of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Adjustable Gastric Banding in Korea: A Single Institution Study

Background

Obesity becomes a global epidemic disease, and bariatric surgery is increasing in Korea as well as in western countries. The first laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) was performed in 2003, and the Lap Band® was approved for use in Korea in 2004. There are no data regarding gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding regarding weight loss as well as changing of pre-existing comorbidities up to date.

Methods

St. Mary’s Hospital Center, main leader of bariatric surgery in Korea, performed 76 weight loss operations LRYGBP?=?25, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) ?=?51] for morbid obesity. We retrospectively reviewed a series of bariatric cases and examined changes of weight loss, postoperative complications, and pre-existing comorbidities between two procedures.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, BMI, sex distribution, pre-existing comorbidities in two procedures. Patients undergoing LRYGBP had longer operative times, more blood loss, and longer hospital stays. There is significant difference regarding postoperative complication (p?

Conclusions

The results of our initial study indicate that LRYGBP and LAGB are technically feasible and safe. It is a low rate of major postoperative complications without mortality. LRYGBP and LAGB are quite satisfactory and promising bariatric procedures with significant weight loss and improvement of obesity-related metabolic comorbidities in Korean.