Preoperative weight loss decreases the operative time of gastric bypass at a Veterans Administration hospital.
BACKGROUND
This study assessed whether preoperative weight loss resulted in favorable outcomes after open Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB).


METHODS
A retrospective review of all patients who underwent RYGB at the DVAMC was undertaken. Patients were divided into: patients who did not lose weight within 3 months preoperatively (n=25) and group II, those who did (n=15).


RESULTS
Both groups had similar demographics, body mass index, comorbid conditions, and American Society of Anesthesiology class. Group II lost 28.2+/-6.5 lbs (8.3% of body weight) within 3 months before RYGB. Operative time was longer in group I compared to group II (180.0+/-0.0 vs 161.0+/-0.0 min; p=0.05). Both groups had the same rate of postoperative complications and the same long-term weight loss at a 2-year follow-up (n=6 both groups).


CONCLUSIONS
An 8% reduction of body weight is associated with a decrease in operative time. These preliminary data suggest that preoperative weight loss results in a technically less challenging operation in the super-obese patient.
Huerta
Sergio
S
Department of Surgery, Dallas VA Medical Center, 4500 Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX 75216, USA. Sergio.Huerta@UTSouthwestern.edu
Dredar
Serag
S
Hayden
Elizabeth
E
Siddiqui
Ali A
AA
Anthony
Thomas
T
Asolati
Massimo
M
Varela
J Esteban
JE
Livingston
Edward H
EH
D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss