Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: results of our learning curve in 100 consecutive patients

• Published in: Obesity surgery 2004-02, Vol.14 (2), p.201-205
• Main Authors: Stoopen-Margain, Enrique, Fajardo, Rafael, España, Nayví, Gamino, Rosa, González-Barranco, Jorge, Herrera, Miguel F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; Clinical Competence; Female; Gastric Bypass; Gastrointestinal surgery; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Medical treatment; Mortality; Obesity; Obesity, Morbid - surgery; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Stomach - surgery; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0960-8923; 1708-0428
• DOI: 10.1381/096089204322857564

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. 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. Mean age was 31+/-5 years. There were 63 woman and 37 men. Preoperative BMI was 50+/-9 kg/m(2). 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. LRYGBP is a reproducible technique. It requires the combination of bariatric and laparoscopic expertise.