Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB) in the super-super obese: Outcomes in 16 patients

Background The ideal management of the super-super obese patient (SSO) is unclear and controversy exists as to the choice of procedure as well as the risk for increased morbidity and mortality. I present my experience of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB) in 16 SSO patients with early follow-up results. Methods Review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All the patients underwent LMGB by a single surgeon (CP). Data collected included demographics, operative time, length of stay, complications, and weight loss. Follow-up data was obtained at office visits in addition to periodic telephone interviews and e-mails. All office follow-up and review of correspondence from Primary Care Physicians (PCP) was managed by the operating surgeon. Results Sixteen patients were identified as being SSO and comprise the study group. There were 14 women and two men. Average age was 40 years (27-61). Average weight and BMI were 166 (150-193) and 62.4 (60-73), respectively. All procedures were performed laparoscopically by a single surgeon with no conversion to open. Average operative time was 78 min (41-147 min) and hospital stay was 1.2 days. Intraoperative complications included a liver laceration in one patient and an enterotomy in another. Both were managed laparoscopically. No patients required readmission to the hospital, and there were no major complications or deaths. Weight loss showed a consistent increase over the follow-up period with 2 year results of 72 KG lost or 65% EWL. Conclusion Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (MGB) is a technically simple and safe procedure in SSO patients. LMGB has the advantages of being a single stage procedure, being easily reversible and revisable in a laparoscopic procedure and does not sacrifice portions of the stomach or implant foreign materials. Weight loss appears favorable in the short term; however, information regarding long-term weight loss, durability, and safety profile in this population will require a greater number of patients and longer follow up.