Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity. Our initial experience.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The outcomes and initial results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were evaluated at our Institution.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the initial 6 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), between November 2006 and May 2008, was performed. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and short-term efficacy of LSG as a treatment option for weight reduction. Data collected included operative time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and degree of weight reduction.

RESULTS

Our 6 morbidly obese patients, who underwent LSG had an average preoperative BMI 58.2 kg/m2. There were 2 women and 4 men, with mean age 45 (range 41 to 55 years). Indication for LSG was related to BMI, high perioperative risk, and body habitus for five patients. One patient underwent LSG as an alternative to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Mean operative time was 2 hours (range 1.5-2.5). We had no conversion to open procedure. There were neither postoperative complications nor mortality. Median hospital stay was 2 days. For our first 4 patients Average %EWL and BMI were 24% and 44.5 kg/m2 at 6 months and % 31.2 and 41.2 kg/m2 at 1 year respectively. No patients have subsequently undergone a second-stage procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

In our initial experience, LSG is a safe and effective treatment option for the high-risk and super super-obese patient. Follow-up will be necessary to evaluate long-term results when performed as single stage operation for morbid obesity.