Technical modification of laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND

Technical improvements of laparoscopic bariatric procedures are important to minimize operative time and increase safety and simplicity.

METHODS

A modification is described of the "classic" Mason-MacLean vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), performed by laparoscopy, with wedge resection of the gastric fundus, thus avoiding the time-consuming and technically difficult gastro-gastrostomy window.

RESULTS

The technique used was simple and safe, and required less operative time than the "classic" method, without serious intra- or postoperative complications. Weight loss in 18 patients who underwent the modified laparoscopic VBG and were followed-up for 1 year was equal to that achieved in patients who underwent open VBG at our Institution. Gastro-gastric fistula was not observed in upper GI barium studies performed 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The modified technique is preferable when lap-VBG is indicated for surgical treatment of morbidly obese patients.