Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass for failed vertical banded gastroplasty

Bariatric surgery is the only method for sustained weight loss in morbid obesity. However, 10-25% of patients will require re-operation for unsatisfactory weight loss or weight regain after restrictive surgery. Re-operation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This study is to evaluate the s a fety and efficacy of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB) for failed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG).

From May 2001 to March 2003, 29 consecutive patients underwent LMGB for failed VBG. Average age was 39.7 years (range 22 to 56), and average BMI before re-operation was 41.7 kg/m(2) (range 35.0-70.8). 8 patients had previous open VBG, and 21 had laparoscopic VBG. The re-operation was for regain of weight in 16 patients, inadequate weight loss in 10 patients, and severe reflux esophagitis in 3 patients. Re-operation was performed after an average of 58.5 months (range 14 to 180).

All the re-operations were completed laparoscopically. Average operative time was 171.4 minutes (range 130 to 290). There was 1 mortality, due to leakage (3.4%). 1 re-operation was necessary, for incarceration of small bowel in a trocar wound 10 days after the LMGB (3.4%). 1 anastomotic site bleeding and 1 wound infection occurred. Average BMI 12 months after the LMGB was 32.1 kg/m(2) (range 26.4 to 42.7). The quality of life study was significantly improved. The revision operation had much more technical difficulty for those with previous open VBG than laparoscopic VBG.

LMGB is an effective and safe revision operation for patients with failed VBG. A large series and long-term follow up is needed for confirmation.