Surgical management of obesity - National University Hospital experience

The Singapore National Survey of 2004 reported the prevalence of obesity to have increased to 6.9%, thus reflecting the profound changes in our society's lifestyle and eating habits. Bariatric surgery has steadily been increasing to counter the ill effects of obesity.

We audited our prospective series of 31 patients who had laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LABG) for morbid obesity performed by our multidisciplinary team at the National University Hospital, Singapore, between August 2004 and December 2006.

The median age at presentation was 40 years old including 6 males and 25 females. Their median BMI was 42.35 kg/m(2). At a median follow-up of 26 months, the median percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 41.95%. The positive impact of gastric banding on comorbidities are evident whereby 15 (94%) of the diabetics had improved glycaemic control with HbA(1)C of 7.7% preoperatively improving to 5.9% postoperatively, and also 8 (58%) now take smaller doses of oral hypoglycaemic agents. Hypertension improved in 4 patients and 2 (11%) were cured. All our patients with dyslipidaemia had their statin doses reduced with marked lowering of serum lipid levels. We had 2 patients (6.45%) with band erosion and another 2 with reflux oesophagitis. Our article also summarises the available surgical procedures while discussing the pros and cons of each.

Our results showed that a multidisciplinary programme can achieve significant weight loss for obese patients in Singapore. To achieve long-term weight loss, a commitment of both the medical team and the patient is necessary. Laparoscopy has revolutionised the practice of bariatric surgery worldwide. LAGB is an effective and safe procedure.