Results of jejuno-ileostomy for gross refractory obesity

The results of jejuno-ileostomy in 182 patients have been studied. The operative mortality was 1-1% and the overall mortality 6-6%, of which 3-3% was attributable to the effects of the small bowel bypass. Weight reduction usually ceased at about 18-24 months postoperatively, by which time the average fall was 36-3% of the mean original body weight. Males and younger patients achieved better than average results. The main side-effects were fatty infiltration of the liver, polyarthralgia, excessive diarrhoea and electrolyte upsets.