Postoperative morbidity of biliopancreatic diversion depending on common limb length

Laparoscopic gastric bypass, currently the most popular surgical method for bariatric therapy, have proved to be effective in weight loss, but some matters regarding its long-term efficacy for super-obese patients (BMI >50 kg/m2) have arisen. Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is a complex technique that has shown good results in the treatment of the super-obese patient. We analyze our >5 years results, evaluating weight loss, morbidity and mortality of this operation, depending on the length of the common and alimentary limbs.

We studied two series of patients: 150 patients with BPD of Scopinaro (50-200 cm) and 70 patients with modified BPD (75-225 cm). The results have been analyzed in terms of weight loss, co-morbidity improvement, and postoperative morbidity using BAROS.

Range of follow-up is 1-12 years. Weight loss was slightly higher for the Scopinaro group than for the Modified group but with no significant difference. There was more prevalence of malnutrition and of iron deficiency in the Scopinaro group (16% and 60%) than in the modified group (2% and 40%), with similar postoperative morbidities.

The modified BPD method (75-225 cm) shows long-term effectiveness in weight loss and comorbidity improvement for super-obesity. Proteins, vitamins and oligoelement deficits appear distant in time, and thus it is necessary to maintain strict followup of these patients and supplement against deficiencies for the rest of their lives.