Laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty: early experience.
BACKGROUND
The tremendous development of laparoscopic surgery in the last decade is being applied to bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (LVBG) is technically feasible by laparoscopy.


METHODS
From August 1998 to August 1999, 13 patients underwent LVBG. The technical difficulties are discussed.


RESULTS
Operating time ranged from 105 to 420 minutes. 11 patients have lost 45-55% of their original weight. Inserting an esophageal bougie no. 11 from the beginning of the operation and using the laparoscopic set-up described, made the procedure shorter, safer and easier for patients and surgeon.


CONCLUSIONS
LVBG is technically feasible for the laparoscopic bariatric surgeon who is experienced in the handling and control of laparoscopic instruments and hand-eye coordination. The early results are satisfactory. Preoperative counseling is an integral step for the operation.
el Fiky
K A
KA
Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbasia Square, Cairo, Egypt. khaled_fiky@hotmail.com
D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D017792:Surgical Stapling