Conversion of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: a Step-By-Step Teaching Video

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) has been demonstrated to be disappointing for long-term weight loss and quality of life (Br J Surg 100:222–230, 2013). Laparoscopic revisional gastric bypass has been found to be feasible, but this procedure in case of prior VBG is deemed both challenging and difficult and should be performed by experienced surgeons (Obes Surg 22:1554–1561, 2012; Surg Endosc 27:558–564, 2013).

We present the case of a 56-year-old man with a body mass index (BMI) of 39.6 kg/m2 who had undergone open VBG, 11 years ago (initial BMI 39.2 kg/m2). He was referred to our tertiary care center for weight regain and daily vomiting.

In this high definition multimedia video, we present a step-by-step laparoscopic conversion of VBG to gastric bypass. After careful adhesiolysis, key points of such procedure are resizing of the small gastric pouch and resection of the enlarged gastric pouch with the band and the upper portion of the remnant fundus, in order to avoid leakage or blind stomach pouch. No adverse outcomes occurred during the postoperative period.

Laparoscopic conversion of previous open VBG to gastric bypass is a challenging procedure. Learning the key points of such procedure is mandatory to limit postoperative complications.