Hand-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass: aspects of surgical technique and early results.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for morbid obesity is well documented. We investigated the role of the Hand-assisted laparoscopic technique for performing RYGBP.


METHODS
In an open series, 13 patients (all female, median age 38, BMI 45 kg/m(2)) underwent Hand-assisted laparoscopic RYGBP. The HandPort was introduced through an 8-cm right subcostal incision. The stomach was always completely transected. The Roux limb was made > 50 cm and brought to the proximal gastric pouch (4 x 3 cm) behind the colon and the excluded stomach. A circular stapler (no. 21) was used for the gastrojejunostomy, with the anvil introduced through a gastrotomy.


RESULTS
The HandPort device could be successfully placed and allowed good working conditions in all patients. Median duration of surgery (including learning-curve time) and postoperative hospital stay were 205 min and 5 days, respectively. The amount of morphine needed (PCA) during postoperative day 1-3 were 45, 32 and 18 mg, respectively. One patient (8%) was converted to full laparotomy for safe closure of a small perforation of the proximal gastric pouch caused by the anvil of the circular stapler. All patients made an uneventful recovery. Two patients needed endoscopic dilatation of a relative stricture at the gastrojejunostomy.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that Hand-assistance makes Lap-RYGBP faster and safer without losing the essential benefits of total laparoscopy.
Sundbom
M
M
Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Gustavsson
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial; D017792:Surgical Stapling