Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: The Milwaukee Experience

BACKGROUND: laparoscopic techniques are being developed for bariatric surgery. METHODS: eleven morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty in 1993-1994. RESULTS: average length of hospital stay was 3.9 days, mean operating time was 202 min, and the average hospital charges were $12 800. These numbers were compared to the most recent open gastric bypass patients, where average length of stay was 7.4 days, mean operating time was 105 min, and the average hospital charges were $9800 (adjusted value of $16 700). There were no post-operative complications in the laparoscopically-performed VBG patients. CONCLUSION: laparoscopic VBG is feasible and cost-saving. Weight loss and long term results await ongoing follow-up.