Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in ethnic obese Chinese.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for the treatment of obesity in ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong.

Methods: Seventy consecutive Chinese patients (49 females; mean age 34.7+/-8.8 [range 18-56] years) received LSG for the treatment of obesity from May 2006 to Nov 2007 as a stand-alone procedure for weight reduction. Mean baseline body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were 108.9+/-22.1 kg (range 71.0-164.9 kg) and 40.7+/-7.8 kg/m(2) (range 27.4-68.4 kg/m(2)), respectively. Outcome measures were collected and assessed in a prospective manner.

Results: All procedures were performed laparoscopically with no conversion. There was neither mortality nor any postoperative complications that required reoperation. Major complication occurred in two patients (2.9%; esophagogastric junction [EGJ] leak and stomach tube stricture). Mean follow-up was 7.1+/-5.0 months. Mean procedure time was 90.6+/-39.4 min, and mean hospital stay was 3.8+/-2.3 days. Mean BMI loss was 6.3+/-2.5, 9.0+/-3.4 and 12.3+/-4.5 kg/m(2) at 3, 6, and 12 months. Mean percent of excess BW loss was 48.5+/-28.4, 69.7+/-31.7, and 63.5+/-29.4 at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Conclusion: LSG is safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss in obese ethnic Chinese patients.