Staged laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbidly obese patients: a risk reduction strategy.

Background: In our centre laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is the most effective weight loss surgical procedure performed. However, LRYGBP may be associated with higher risk of peri- and postoperative complications in contrast to a purely restrictive procedure to justify this procedure on all comers. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a staged procedure may be an alternate risk reduction strategy. The aim of this study is to report on the short-term outcomes of LSG, the effect on operative risk reduction and resolution of comorbidities.

Methods: A prospective review of 138 patients who underwent consecutive LSG from November 2004 to November 2006 was performed. Data were collected on all patients who attended the three to six monthly clinical follow-up and/or the patient questionnaire. Data collection included demographics, degree of weight reduction, postoperative complications, and changes in comorbidities.

Results: Median BMI was 50.60 kg/m(2) (33-82). Of the patients, 46.38% had a BMI >or=50 kg/m(2). The overall median postoperative excess weight loss (EWL) was 43.26%, 31.08% at 6 months, 54.50% at 12 months, 51.47% at 18 months and 46.05% at 24 months. Of the patients, 39% had resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 48% had resolution of dyslipidemia, 29% in hypertension, 52% in obstructive sleep apnea. Complication rate was 5.07% and four patients needed further surgical intervention. The mortality rate was zero.

Conclusion: LSG does minimize postoperative complication rates significantly on high-risk patients and achieves effective short-term weight loss with resolutions in comorbidities. Additional studies are required to evaluate LSG as a stand-lone procedure.