[Vertical gastroplasty as a treatment method in morbid obesity]

Since November 1992 in the RRCS. RAMS 38 patients aged 16-61 years (mean body mass 149.9 kg) for obesity of 3-4 grade underwent operation of vertical gastroplasty (VGP) by E. Mason's method. In 78.9% of patients uncomplicated course of early postoperative period was observed. One patient died due to thromboembolism of pulmonary artery. Two patients underwent regastroplasty due to tearing away of the staples of vertical mechanical suture and restoration of body mass (BM). Up to now stabilization of BM was detected in 19 patients. In this group mean values of surplus BM lowering made up 54.1% and maximal--60.1%. Positive influence of performed operations on the course of majority of the concomitant diseases in the absence of serious metabolic after-effects was observed. Initial results of operations seemed to be favourable, but for final conclusions about the effectiveness of VGP in far off period the accumulation of the experience and prolongation of follow-up period together with standardization of operation procedure are necessary.