[Learning curve in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity].

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is currently considered the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity. The learning curve for this procedure is about 100 cases, and it is considered the most important factor in decreasing complications and mortality. We present our experience and learning curve with LRYGB. METHODS: The data was collected prospectively. All patients with primary LRYGB between March 2006 and April 2014 were included. Only patients with full data on demographics, length of stay, operating time, and complications were included in the study. RESULTS: Five hundred and eleven patients underwent a LRYGB. Ninety five of them underwent a redo RYGB (conversion), and were excluded. Of the remaining 416 patients, full data was available for 326 and the statistical analysis refers to this group. The complication rate was available for all patients who were included in the study. The mean age and body mass index were 43 years (14-76 years) and 42.8 kg/m2 (34-76) respectively. The mean duration of surgery was 86 minutes (40-420). In the first 100 patients, operating time was 148 min, while in the last 125 patients it was 75 min. The major perioperative complication rate was 7.7%. Of 4 leaks (0.95%, 3 were encountered in the first 100 operations, and one in the following 316 (3% and 0.3% respectively). The mean length of stay was 2.2 days (1-46). None of the patients stayed in the intensive care unit. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: LRYGB is very safe. We confirm that the learning curve for this procedure is more than 100 cases. Appropriate training is crucial.

Laparoscopic conversion of failed silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) into biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).

BACKGROUND: The Silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG), a newer modification of Mason's vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), was the restrictive procedure of choice for many bariatric surgeons before the advent of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. However, a high rate of reoperations for failure and severe complications was reported in long-term studies. Around 50% of the patients underwent conversion to other bariatric procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to report our experience in laparoscopic conversion of failed VBG and SRVG to biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). SETTINGS: The setting of the study was at the University hospital. METHODS: Between March 2010 and July 2013, 12 patients underwent laparoscopic conversion of VBG and SRVG to BPD. Using a prospectively collected database, we analyzed their data and outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of the conversions were successfully completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 220 min. There was no mortality. Perioperative complications occurred in four patients (33%). One (9%) late complication, an adhesional small bowel obstruction, was encountered later than 30 days postoperatively. The follow-up rate was 100%, but only three patients reached 3 years at the time of this writing. At a mean follow-up of 19 (3-40) months, the mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 45.3 to 27.8 kg/m2. Percent excess weight loss (EWL) was 65.7, and 86.3% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic conversion of failed VBG to BPD is feasible and effective in further reducing weight in morbidly obese patients. Weight loss continues beyond the first postoperative year. However, the complication rate is much higher than in the primary procedure.