Vertical banded gastroplasty by laparoscopic technique in the treatment of morbid obesity

From October 1993 through May 1994, 38 consecutive morbidly obese patients underwent a laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). During the operation a gastric window was made by a 25-mm circular stapler; and the vertical staple line, establishing the gastric pouch, was constructed by using a 60-mm, four-row linear stapler. The outflow stoma was reinforced by a Gore-Tex band and calibrated to have an internal diameter of 9 mm. Three patients had to be converted to open surgery during the initial laparoscopic procedure because of insufficient operative access. Another three patients had to be reoperated during subsequent postoperative courses, one laparoscopically to reinforce a vertical staple line defect caused by a transected nasogastric tube, another because of an open reoperation during the first postoperative day for a rupture in the vertical staple line, and, finally, a patient was reexplored because of the present of postoperative fever with a left-sided pleuropneumonia and subphrenic accumulation of fluid. However, during the operation no leakage or any other local complications were detected. The subsequent postoperative courses were uneventful in all these patients. Compared with the reference group comprising the latest consecutive 17 obese patients operated with open VBG before the introduction of the laparoscopic technique, the laparoscopy group had less postoperative pain and had mobilization sooner. In the latter group, we recorded an improved respiratory status during the early postoperative period, as reflected by increased oxygen saturation and peak exspiratory flow rates as well as a lower body temperature. In conclusion, laparoscopic VBG is technically feasible and can be safely performed. Our early postoperative experiences suggest that these patients have a shorter and less cumbersome postoperative recovery period compared with conventionally operated obese patients. The long-term follow-up of these patients will determine whether these initial advantages of the laparoscopic approach are corroborated by comparable effects on weight control.