Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with 2-metre long biliopancreatic limb for morbid obesity: technique and experience with the first 150 patients.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is being performed widely as a treatment of choice for morbid obesity. We present our method and experience with the first 150 consecutive cases of laparoscopic RYGBP with a 2-m long biliopancreatic limb (BP-limb).


METHODS
Between November 2001 and November 2003, a prospective analysis of 150 patients was performed identifying technical success and complications. Before surgery, patients underwent a strict multidisciplinary behavioral program. At operation the stomach was transected proximally with a linear stapler (60-mm, Endo-GIA) to create a prolongation of the esophagus (gastric tube) along the lesser curvature, resulting in a 40-50 ml pouch. Two meters of the proximal jejunum were bypassed (BP-limb), creating an antecolic Roux-en-Y gastro-jejunostomy to the posterior wall of the gastric tube using a 45-mm linear Endo-GIA stapler. The entero-anastomosis was created 50 cm below the gastro-jejunostomy, also with a 45-mm linear Endo-GIA.


RESULTS
Mean BMI was 50.0, and 78% of patients were females. With 100% follow-up, we found an EWL of 50% 6 months after surgery, gradually rising to 80% after 18 months. The mean operating time was 116 min for the first 50 cases and decreased to 82 min for the last 50 cases. Intestinal leakage occurred in 5 patients (3%) and bleeding in 5 (3%). Most of these complications occurred in the first 50 cases, and all but one were treated successfully with an early laparoscopic re-operation. Marginal ulcers were found in 16.6% of patients. No internal hernias have occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The operation demands advanced laparoscopic skills, but technically it is relatively simple and has an acceptable complication rate. Short-term results regarding excess weight loss are at least comparable to the RYGBP with a long alimentary limb.
Leifsson
Björn Geir
BG
Department of Surgery, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Gislason
Hjörtur Georg
HG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D015904:Biliopancreatic Diversion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass / 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*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013537:Sutures; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss