Laparoscopic technique for performing duodenal switch with gastric reduction.
BACKGROUND
The duodenal switch procedure with gastric reduction (DS) is a hybrid procedure for morbid obesity that combines moderate intake restriction with moderate malabsorption. This report describes the laparoscopic hand-assisted technique for the duodenal switch procedure (LapDS).


METHODS
Restriction is achieved via a greater curvature gastrectomy, reducing gastric capacity to 120 ml. The malabsorptive component is constructed by dividing the duodenum 4 cm distal to the pylorus and anastomosing the proximal duodenum to the distal 250 cm of ileum. The biliopancreatic limb is anastomosed to create a 100 cm common channel. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, cholangiogram, liver biopsy and appendectomy are performed in conjunction with DS.


RESULTS
345 LapDS procedures (27 lap-assisted; 318 hand-assisted) were performed between September 1999 and February 2002. There were 299 women and 46 men with a mean age of 43 years (range 19-67 years). Mean BMI was 50 (range 36-118 kg/m(2)). Mean operating time was 201 minutes (range 105-480). The median length of hospital stay was 3.0 days (range 2-22 days, excluding one outlier). There were 7 conversions to open laparotomy, 14 reoperations, and 21 readmissions. There were 3 pulmonary emboli, 2 deep venous thromboses, and 4 perioperative proximal anastomotic strictures. There were no deaths. Mean percent excess weight loss at 6, 18, and 24 months was 51%, 89%, and 91%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic assisted duodenal switch procedure can be performed safely with acceptable operative times and without excess morbidity or mortality.
Pacific Laparoscopy, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA. rrabkin@pacificsurgery.com
Robert A
RA
Rabkin
John M
JM
Rabkin
Barbara
B
Metcalf
Myra
M
Lazo
Michael
M
Rossi
Lee B
LB
Lehmanbecker
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015904:Biliopancreatic Diversion / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D015431:Weight Loss