Gastric reduction for morbid obesity: technique and indications

The results of gastric reduction for obesity in 12 patients are described. Emphasis is laid on preoperative weight loss, using jaw wiring in 9 patients. The successful outcome of the operation was found to depend on the formation of a small gastric pouch and a narrow gastro-jejunal anastomosis. A constant-sized pouch was achieved by forming the pouch around a 100-ml silicone balloon devised for the purpose. Postoperative results were good in 7 patients, partial success was achieved in 3 patients and there were 2 failures. It is concluded that the procedure will produce successful results provided that a small proximal pouch with a narrow outlet is fashioned in motivated and psychologically well-balanced patients.