Results of the Italian multicenter study on 239 super-obese patients treated by adjustable gastric banding.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is the most common bariatric operation. This study is a retrospective analysis of the multicenter Italian experience in patients with BMI > 50 over the last 4 years.


METHODS
An electronic data sheet made for LAGB-operated patients since January 1996, was mailed and e-mailed to all surgeons involved in this kind of procedure in Italy. Items regarding patients with BMI > 50 were selected. Analysis used Fisher's exact test and logarithmic regression analysis (P < 0.05 significant). Data were expressed as mean +/- SD.


RESULTS
239 patients (13.3%), out of 1,797 Lap-Band operated patients entered the study (179F / 60M), with mean age 37.6 +/- 11.3 years (19-69) and mean BMI 54.6 +/- 4.8 (50.1-83.6). Laparotomic conversion rate was 5.4% (44/239). Postoperative complications occurred in 24 / 239 patients (9.0%). Follow-up was obtained in 218 / 218, 198 / 198, 121 /147, 75 / 93, 30 / 38 LAGB patients at 6,12, 24, 36, and 48 months respectively. At these time periods, mean BMI was 46.7, 43.9, 42.2, 41.9, and 39.3 kg/m2. At the same intervals, mean %EWL was 24.1, 34.1, 38.8, 38.9, and 52.9%. The number of patients with < 25% EWL at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months follow-up were 34, 10, 4, and 0. Serious co-morbidities (189 in 124 of 239, 57%) had completely resolved 1 year postoperatively in 74 / 124 of the patients (59.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
Although super-obese patients following the LAGB remain obese with BMI > 35, in the short-term most lose their co-morbidities, with a very low morbidity and mortality rate.
Angrisani
L
L
Fondazione IDIS, Via Coroglio 156 80124 Naples, Italy. gilb@wol.it
Furbetta
F
F
Doldi
S B
SB
Basso
N
N
Lucchese
M
M
Giacomelli
M
M
Zappa
M
M
Di Cosmo
L
L
Veneziani
A
A
Turicchia
G U
GU
Alkilani
M
M
Forestieri
P
P
Lesti
G
G
Puglisi
F
F
Toppino
M
M
Campanile
F
F
Capizzi
F D
FD
D'Atri
C
C
Scipioni
L
L
Giardiello
C
C
Di Lorenzo
N
N
Lacitignola
S
S
Belvederesi
M
M
Marzano
B
B
Bernante
P
P
Iuppa
A
A
Borrelli
V
V
Lorenzo
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies