[Historical development of the surgical treatment of gross obesity].

Reference is made to the experimental preliminary remark and the first, clinical observations underlying the surgical management of severe obesity, together with the techniques employed, starting with the jejunal-colic by-pass of Payne et al. This, however, led to serious liver damage and electrolyte imbalance, whereupon Payne et al. proposed end-to-side and Scott end-to-end jejunal-ileal by-pass. The end-to-end variety has been used with excellent results in 33 cases. Mason's gastric and gastroplastic techniques is till now unfrequently used. An account is also given of experimental ileo-cholecystostomy and biliopancreatic by-pass. In agreement with most other workers, a preference is expressed for the end-to-end jejunal-ileal by-pass as the most suitable technique available at present.