Positive results of jejunoileal bypass surgery: emphasis on lipids with comparison to gastric bypass.

The positive results of jejunoileal bypass are briefly reviewed: significant weight reduction, lowering of blood pressure, mitigation of diabetes, improved physical functions, amelioration of osteoarthritis and thrombophlebitis, and improved self-esteem and socialization. A major benefit of jejunoileal bypass is the marked and permanent plasma cholesterol and triglyceride reductions. At one year plasma cholesterol is reduced 42 percent, with plasma triglyceride lowered 35 percent. In a comparable series of gastric bypass patients one year after operation, the plasma triglyceride lowering was identical at 35 percent; however, the plasma cholesterol reduction was only 14 percent. Although we currently perform mostly gastric bypasses as the primary metabolic operation for morbid obesity, we believe the jejunoileal bypass should not be discarded from the armamentarium of the surgeon committed to the treatment of this malignant disease.