Laparoscopic Silastic Ring Mini-Gastric Bypass (SR-MGBP): Up to 11-Year Results from a Single Centre.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is well established as an effective method for treating obesity and its related comorbidities. The laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (MGBP) represents a simpler alternative to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The placement of a silastic ring (SR) may enhance excess weight loss and minimize weight regain. This study reports long-term results from a cohort of patients undergoing a SR-MGBP in a single centre. METHODS: Long-term outcomes (up to 11 years) in a cohort of 156 patients undergoing surgery between August 2005 and January 2008 were analysed. A combination of follow-up questionnaires and electronic hospital records were used to assess weight loss, comorbidity resolution and complications. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients (mean body mass index 46 kg/m2) underwent surgery. Ninety-two patients responded to the follow-up questionnaires. Computer-based hospital information was available on a total of 139 patients. Mean percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 11 years was 84.3%. Comorbidity resolution, determined by medication use, showed a reduction in diabetes (21.8% to 7.1%), hypertension (37.2% to 21.4%) and hypercholesterolaemia (40.4% to 13.4%). Five of 139 patients (3.6%) had SR problems needing removal. Two other patients had the SR changed to a bigger size and a further two had endoscopic removal of the SR for erosion. Of the 139 patients, 9.4% required conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The number of patients on anti-reflux medications increased from 5.1% to 44.6% at 11 years. There were two deaths unrelated to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SR-MGBP appears to be a safe and effective operation for the morbidly obese. It is durable, with good weight loss at up to 11 years post-surgery. The SR can easily be removed or exchanged for another size and is reasonable to consider when performing a MGBP. Concerns about bile reflux appear to be well founded, and some patients who are poorly controlled medically will require revision.

Costs of bariatric surgery in a randomised control trial (RCT) comparing Roux en Y gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese diabetic patients.

AIM: To provide a longitudinal analysis of the direct healthcare costs of providing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery service in the context of a randomised control trial (RCT) of obese patients with type 2 diabetes in Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand. METHODS: The Waitemata District Health Board costing system was used to calculate costs in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) associated with all pre- and post-operative hospital clinic visits, peri-operative care, hospitalisations and medication costs up to one year after bariatric surgery. Healthcare costs of medications, laboratory investigations and hospital clinic visits for one year prior to enrolment into the RCT were also calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients were randomised to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG, n=58) or laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB, n=56). Total costs one year pre-enrolment was $203,926 for all patients (mean $1,789 per patient). Total cost of surgery was $1,208,005 (mean $9,131 per LSG patient and mean $12,456 per LRYGB patient). Total cost one year post-operatively was $542,656 (mean $4,760 per patient). The total medication cost reduced from $118,993.72(mean $1,044 per patient) to $31,304.93 (mean $274.60 per patient), p<0.005. The largest cost reduction was seen with annual diabetic medications reducing from $110,115.78(mean $965.93 per patient) to $7,237.85 (mean $63.48 per patient), p<0.005. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with type 2 diabetes and morbid obesity undergoing LSG and LRYGB, health service costs were greater in the year after surgery than in the year before, although prescription costs were lower post-operatively. There was no significant difference in reduction in prescription cost by surgical procedure at 12 months. However, the LRYGB surgery was more expensive than LSG, primarily because of the longer operative time required.