Partial ileal bypass in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Partial ileal bypass is a surgical method of lowering circulating cholesterol levels. This article outlines the history of the partial ileal bypass operation and compares the efficacy, durability, compliance, safety, and cost of this operation with currently available diet and drug therapy for hypercholesterolemia. Partial ileal bypass patients have been followed for up to 26 years, and the procedure is employed currently throughout the United States and Europe. Partial ileal bypass has moved beyond the research stage and can be performed in community hospitals by competent general surgeons.