title: Conversion of Open Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Single-Center, Single-Surgeon Experience with 6 Years of Follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study is to assess feasibility, relief of complications and mid- and long-term weight loss results following the conversion of open vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing conversion of open VBG to RYGB (open and laparoscopic) between 1 April 2000 and 1 January 2015 was performed. (Post)operative complications were listed. Weight loss was assessed using excess weight (EW), percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and body mass index (BMI) at 1-year intervals after surgery. Ideal weight was determined by recalculating individual lengths to a BMI of 25 kg/m(2). Application of polynomial regression models was used to quantify weight loss over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety patients were identified in the database. Mean time between bariatric interventions was 9.6 years. Reasons for conversion were insufficient weight loss (82.2%) and outlet obstruction (17.8%). Early complications were encountered in eight patients of which three were reoperated. Patients who underwent conversion for inadequate weight loss after VBG were retrospectively analyzed regarding weight loss: 78.0% EWL after 1 year, 71.4% after 2 years, 62.1% after 3 years, 64.1% after 4 years, 70.2% after 5 years, and 68.9% after 6 years. Outlet obstruction was relieved in 94%. Patient satisfaction was assessed by telephone: 86.4% would repeat the conversion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conversion of open VBG to RYGB is feasible and safe and can be performed with an acceptable complication rate. It gives excellent weight loss results and relief of outlet obstruction.
authors.affiliation: , J-.B. Stessensstraat 2, B-2440, Geel, Belgium. ben.gys@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gys
authors.affiliation: , J-.B. Stessensstraat 2, B-2440, Geel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Filip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Haenen
authors.affiliation: , J-.B. Stessensstraat 2, B-2440, Geel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruyssers
authors.affiliation: , J-.B. Stessensstraat 2, B-2440, Geel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tobie
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gys
authors.affiliation: , J-.B. Stessensstraat 2, B-2440, Geel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lafullarde
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Conversion; Open vertical banded gastroplasty; Redo surgery; Revisional; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; Surgery