title: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: technique and 3-year follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate our experience with the laparoscopic gastric bypass. The technique, weight loss data, and complications are described.
  
  
  METHODS
  1,500 consecutive patients were evaluated prospectively. All patients met NIH criteria for bariatric surgery. Although there have been modifications with respect to staplers, suture material, and dissection techniques, the basic anatomical construct has remained the same, including performing a completely hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no anastomotic leaks from the hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy. Operative times now are consistently 60 minutes or less, although the learning curve is quite long. Average hospital stay was 1.5 days. Average excessive weight loss was 69% at one and two years and 62% at three years. Overall complication rate was 14.8%. Perioperative death rate was 0.2%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The laparoscopic gastric bypass is a viable alternative to traditional open techniques. It is as safe and effective and can be performed with equal or greater efficiency. Adoption of hand-suturing techniques helps to improve the surgeon's skill and ability to cope with the occasional stapler misfire or complication.
authors.affiliation: Valley Surgical Specialists Medical Group, Inc., Fresno, California, USA.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Higa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Boone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007582:Jejunostomy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome