The Influence of Different Alimentary and Biliopancreatic Limb Lengths in Gastric Bypass Patients

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different limb lengths after RYGB on weight loss, postoperative gastro-intestinal complications, and vitamin deficiencies.

A retrospective analyses of 100 patients after RYGB with 2 different limb lengths were done. Group A (50 patients) had a biliopancreatic limb (BPL) of 75 cm and an alimentary limb (AL) of 150 cm. Group B (50 patients) had a BPL of 150 cm and an AL of 75 cm. The effect on weight loss, body mass index, excess weight loss (EWL), total weight loss (TWL), and postoperative complications was analyzed up to 2 years postoperatively.

Patients with a longer BPL achieved significantly more %EWL compared to a shorter BPL 2 years postoperatively (82.8 ± 31.2 versus 93.8 ± 15.1; p = 0.038). A significant difference was also seen in %TWL after 1 year (30.3 ± 10.1 versus 37.4 ± 6.9; p < 0.01) and 2 years (31.6 ± 7.5 versus 35.6 ± 8.6; p = 0.022), both in favor of group B. However, patients with a longer BPL (group B) showed significant more diarrhea and steatorrhea compared to group A (p < 0.01).

BPL of 150 cm is associated with more %EWL and %TWL 2 years after RYGB. However, it is accompanied by an increase of diarrhea and steatorrhea to disadvantage off group B. Future studies need to focus on further tailoring BPL and AL lengths to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with morbid obesity.