Vertical banded gastroplasty: first experience in Russia.
BACKGROUND
The first experience of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) in the Russian National Research Center of Surgery is presented.


METHODS
From November 1992 to October 1996, 24 morbidly obese patients (mean body weight 147.7 kg, BMI 52.1 kg/m2) underwent VBG according to Mason.


RESULTS
The early complication rate was 20.8%. The mean excess weight loss (EWL) after weight stabilization (first 12 patients) was 48.0% in the whole group and 53.9% (range 36.0-73.0%) in 10 patients without staple-line disruptions. Significant positive changes in obesity related diseases were noted. Nine of 23 patients presented with incisional hernias some months after operation.


CONCLUSIONS
The impression of VBG is favorable; however, gaining further experience with the standard techniques and increasing the long-term results are necessary.
Yashkov
Y I
YI
Department of Liver, Bile Ducts and Pancreatic Surgery, National Research Center of Surgery, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moskow.
Timoshin
A D
AD
Oppel
T A
TA
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012426:Russia; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000628:therapy; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects; D015431:Weight Loss
D011126:Polypropylenes; D011140:Polyurethanes