title: Laparoscopic conversion of laparoscopic gastric banding to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a review of 70 patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The feasibility and outcomes of conversion of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  From November 2000 to March 2004, all patients who underwent laparoscopic conversion of LAGB to LRYGBP were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure included adhesiolysis, resection of the previous band, creation of an isolated gastric pouch, 100-cm Roux-limb, side-to-side jejuno-jejunostomy, and end-to-end gastro-jejunostomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  70 patients (58 female, mean age 41) with a median BMI of 45+/-11 (27-81) underwent attempted laparoscopic conversion of LAGB to an RYGBP. Indications for conversion were insufficient weight loss or weight regain after band deflation for gastric pouch dilatation in 34 patients (49%), inadequate weight loss in 17 patients (25%), symptomatic proximal gastric pouch dilatation in 15 patients (20%), intragastric band migration in 3 patients (5%), and psychological band intolerance in 1 patient. 3 of 70 patients (4.3%) had to be converted to a laparotomy because of severe adhesions. Mean operative time was 240+/-40 SD min (210-280). Mean hospital length of stay was 7.2 days. Early complication rate was 14.3% (10/70). Late major complications occurred in 6 patients (8.6%). There was no mortality. Median excess body weight loss was 70+/-20%. 60% of patients achieved a BMI of <33 with mean follow-up 18 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic conversion of LAGB to RYGBP is a technically challenging procedure that can be safely integrated into a bariatric treatment program with good results. Short-term weight loss is very good.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie générale A, CHU Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mognol
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chosidow
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Marmuse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015905:Gastric Balloon; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss