[Long-term results after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for severe obesity]

Long-term results after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for severe obesity Abstract. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been performed for almost 50 years, yet long-term results have only been scarcely reported. In this paper, we report results up to 15 years after gastric bypass and review the relevant literature on long-term results after this operation.

Our prospective database has been reviewed for this study. A literature search via Pubmed was done, and articles reporting on 10-year results after RYGB in at least 50 patients were retrieved and analyzed.

A total of 822 patients underwent primary RYGB in our institutions between 1999 and 2007. All are eligible for 10-year analysis, and 186 operated before 2003 for 15-year analysis. Follow-up rates after 10 and 15 years are 76 and 55 % respectively. Patients loose a mean of 12,9 BMI units after 10 years, a figure that remains unchanged after 15 years. 80 %, respectively 72 % of patients maintain a %total body weight loss of at least 20 % after 10 and 15 years. Comorbidities are markedly improved, as well as quality of life. These results compare well with those reported in the literature after this length of time. Studies from the literature also show a preventive effect of RYGB in the development of metabolic comorbidities in obese individuals submitted to RYGB.

RYGB provides good to excellent long-term weight loss which persists up to 15 years after surgery. This is associated with markedly improved comorbidities and reduced cardiovascular risk, improved quality-of-life and reduced mortality. RYGB represents a good option for most patients who seek surgery for severe obesity.