title: Comparison of the benefits and complications between laparoscopic and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In recent years, there has been an increase in numbers of individuals seeking laparoscopic surgical procedures for obesity. The current study compared the benefits and risks between laparoscopic and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) performed at the same center for more than 2,000 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population consisted of 1,077 laparoscopic and 1,198 open RYGBP procedures performed between the years 1999 and 2002. Measurements included population characteristics, anthropometries, complications, and hospital stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The laparoscopic RYGBP has both advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages include a longer operative time and a higher incidence of fistulas, internal hernias, and small bowel obstruction. The advantages of the laparoscopic procedure are shorter hospital stay, lower incidence of wound infection, and fewer incisional hernias. Both procedures cause similar changes in body weight, but laparoscopic RYGBP is associated with less lean tissue loss during the early postoperative period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both laparoscopic and open RYGBP are effective in inducing massive weight loss. There are, however, differences in the benefits and risks between the two procedures.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Bariatric, 4800 NE 20th Terrace, Suit 303, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, USA.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Marema
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Buffington
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006547:Hernia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss