Prospective comparative evaluation of stapled versus transected silastic ring gastric bypass: 6-year follow-up.
BACKGROUND
The effect of transecting vs. stapling the stomach in continuity in the banded gastric bypass (GBP) operation was studied.


METHODS
50 patients, 25 in each group, were enrolled into a prospective study to determine if transecting the stomach vs. stapling it in continuity in performing GBP for obesity decreases the incidence of gastro-gastric fistula formation without increased morbidity.


RESULTS
The patient profiles in the 2 groups were very similar. The peri-operative complications included 1 splenic capsular injury in each group, controlled without a splenectomy. There was 1 anastomotic leak in the stapled and 1 bleeding from the cut edge of the bypassed stomach in the transected group, both requiring re-operations in the immediate postoperative period. There was no peri-operative mortality. The percent follow-up after 6 years was 80% and 88% in the stapled and transected groups respectively. The incidence of late complications of solid food intolerance, ventral incisional hernia, cholelithiasis and small bowel obstruction was similar in both groups. There were 8 gastro-gastric fistulas in the stapled group and 1 in the transected group. The reduction in body mass index and percent excess weight loss (66%) were similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of gastro-gastric fistula may be reduced in GBP procedures by transecting the stomach as opposed to stapling it in continuity, without an increase in morbidity or mortality or any loss in the effectiveness of the operation.
Fobi
M A
MA
Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity, Hawaiian Gardens, CA, USA. info@cstobesity.com
Lee
H
H
Igwe
D
D
Stanczyk
M
M
Tambi
J N
JN
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005747:Gastric Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D012828:Silicones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D013528:Surgical Staplers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012828:Silicones; C013830:baysilon