Rejecting the demise of vertical-banded gastroplasty: a long-term single-institute experience

Surgical interventions have proven to be more effective than other measures in the treatment of morbid obesity. The short-term outcomes of the various surgical interventions have been well documented in the literature, with fewer reports on long-term outcomes. The reported long-term outcome of the vertical-banded gastroplasty (VBG) is conflicting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate our long-term experience with VBG. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted. Records of patients who underwent VBG five or more years ago were retrieved. An analysis of the long-term weight changes and reported complications was conducted. The study included 150 patients: 43 males (29%) and 107 females (71%). Their mean age was 30 years old (12-53), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 47 ± 8.4 kg/m2. Patients were followed up for an average of 8 years (5-11). More than 60 % of patients had good long-term weight loss (EWL > 50%). A significant negative correlation was found between the excess weight loss percent (EWL%) and the pre-operative BMI (p < 0.05). The differences in EWL% between males and females were not significant (p = 0.061). Nevertheless, the change in EWL% over time for both males and females was significant (p = 0.004). Revision surgery was required in seven patients (4.7%). Five patients had conversion of VBG to gastric bypass (3.3%), while two patients (1.3%) had reversal of the procedure. Late complications included mesh erosion in three cases, staple line dehiscence in two patients, and stomal stenosis in six patients. VBG could be a long-term effective intervention for the treatment of morbid obesity. Good selection is the cornerstone for long-term success. Late complication rate is acceptable after VBG. VBG is a specifically useful tool under stringent financial circumstances.