Divided vertical banded gastroplasty either for correction or as a first-choice operation.
BACKGROUND
Staple-line disruption may occur after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG).


METHODS
Since May 1996, the authors have performed the gastric restrictive procedure divided VBG, as described by MacLean, as a first-choice operation and not only as correction for staple-line breakdown. Divided VBG was done in 111 patients, 32 as correction after staple-line disruption and 79 as a first choice, 29 of them by hand-assisted laparoscopy with the dexterity pneumosleeve.


RESULTS
Weight loss and nutritional status have been very satisfactory. Operating time for the standardized operation has been no longer than 60 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
Divided VBG, especially if done by hand-assisted laparoscopy using the dexterity pneumosleeve, is a valid restrictive procedure.
Vassallo
C
C
Scuola Nazionale ACOI di Chirurgia dell'Obesità, Stradella, Pavia, Italy.
Negri
L
L
Della Valle
A
A
Dono
C
C
Martinotti
R
R
Mussi
P
P
Vegezzi
C
C
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011379:Prognosis; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss