[Results of laparoscopic treatment of morbid obesity: report of 27 cases].
BACKGROUND
Prevalence of obesity is increasing steadily. It exposes the patient to numerous complications and represents a serious public health issue. Various treatments were tried. Surgery is actually a credible alternative. Many techniques can be made by laparoscopic approach.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate early and late results of laparoscopic treatment of morbid obesity by two techniques: gastric banding adjustable and gastric by-pass.


METHODS
From May 2001 to July 2007, 27 patients were laparoscopically operated on for severe obesity in our department. Twenty four patients were treated with a gastric banding and 3 patients with gastric bypass. The primary endpoint was: excessive weight loss (EWL), BMI variations and patients' satisfaction. The secondary endpoints were mortality, morbidity and conversion.


RESULTS
The mean age was 36 years. There were 4 males and 23 females. The mean preoperative weight was 122.4 kg (range: 87-152) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 42,5 kg/m2 (range 36.5-52 kg/m2). The mean operating time was 129 minutes (range: 50-300). The mean hospital stay was 4.76 days (range: 3-8). There were no postoperative deaths. Early complication was present in 3 patients. Late complications were present in one patient. No conversion to laparotomy was necessary. BMI decreased from 42.9 to 31 kg/m2 and EWL reached 43%;


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our experience are encouraging with an acceptable complication rate and no death. Laparoscopic treatment can be done with good results.
Service de chirurgie générale, hôpital des FSI, La Marsa, Tunisia.
Oussama
O
Baraket
Mahmoud
M
El Ajmi
Adnen
A
Chouchene
Haykel
H
Rezgui
Faysal
F
Elkateb
Hassen
H
Khouni
Walid
W
Balti
Hedi
H
Balti
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome