title: Gastrointestinal quality of life following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in Asia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. Previous studies in Western countries disclosed a significant improvement in co-morbidities and health-related quality of life. Data from Asia and regarding the specific GI quality of life following LAGB are lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  From May 2002 to May 2005, 107 consecutive patients - 48 men and 59 women, with mean age 31.4 years (range 17-57 years) with morbid obesity (mean weight 115.8 kg, range 81-174 kg; mean BMI 41.3 kg/m(2), range 32.0-59.8 kg/m(2)) underwent LAGB in a prospective trial. All bands were placed via the pars flaccida technique. Quality of life was measured by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), a 36item questionnaire before LAGB, and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All procedures were performed laparoscopically with no conversions. There was neither intra-operative complications nor major postoperative complications. Minor complications occurred in 3 patients (2.8%); all were transient stoma obstruction. At follow-up, only one band (0.94%) was removed at 3 months postoperatively because of the patient's intolerance. No gastric slippage occurred. 4 patients (3.7%) had tubing problems and required revision surgery for port adjustment. Mean BMI decreased from 41.3 to 33.1 after 2 years. Percent excess BMI loss averaged 48.1% at 2 years (range 6.7-139.2). All co-morbidities were eliminated significantly. 80% of patients were satisfied with the results at 2 years. However, the GIQLI score remained similar before and after surgery. Preoperative score was 110.8+15 points. The score became 116.2+13, 114.7+13, 108.5+14 and 107.2+17 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The patients had improvement in 3 domains of general health (social, physical and emotional functions), but decrease in the domain of symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although LAGB was successful in weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities in morbidly obese patients, the GIQLI did not improve. This feature will be the major disadvantage of LAGB.
authors: Department of Surgery, Min-Sheng General Hospital and Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Wei-Jei
authors: WJ
authors: Lee
authors: Weu
authors: W
authors: Wang
authors: Po-Jui
authors: PJ
authors: Yu
authors: Po-Li
authors: PL
authors: Wei
authors: Ming-Te
authors: MT
authors: Huang