Pouch volume, stoma diameter, and clinical outcome after gastroplasty for morbid obesity. A prospective study

In gastroplasty and gastric bypass procedures for obesity much importance has been attached to obtaining a small fundic pouch combined with a narrow outlet, factors considered to determine weight loss. The present study is a prospective investigation of the influence of these stomach dimensions on the clinical outcome. With a standardized radiological procedure 72 examinations were carried out in 27 patients during the first 18 months after gastroplasty by the method of Gomez. Median pouch volume and stoma diameter were unaltered through the observation period. Early pouch volumes ranged from 51 to 244 ml, and stoma size ranged from 6 to 24 mm after 6 months. Within these limits pouch and stoma size were not significantly correlated to the weight loss obtained. Other factors seem to be of major importance for the weight-reducing effect of gastroplasty.