Clinical results and nutritional consequences of biliopancreatic diversion: three years of follow-up.

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity, reducing obesity-associated comorbidities. The aim of our work was to describe clinical results and nutritional complications in morbidly obese patients with biliopancreatic diversion.

Methods: We have analyzed a consecutive series of 64 patients who have been followed up for 3 years after undergoing open biliopancreatic diversion by the Scopinaro technique.

Results: Initial excess weight loss was 29.3% at 6 months and 61.5% at 3 years. A significant improvement of body mass index, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, glucose level, total cholesterol, uric acid and triglycerides levels was detected. Ferritin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B(12), zinc and copper levels showed a low percentage of deficiency at basal time, but during the follow-up, the percentage of deficiency increased. Vitamin E and K did not show basal deficiency. However, after surgery, a moderate deficiency of both vitamins was detected (vitamin E 7.1% and vitamin K 8.3%). Folic acid deficiency was observed in 54.3% of the subjects at basal time, but decreased during the study.

Conclusion: Biliopancreatic diversion is an effective method of sustainable weight loss. However, micronutrient deficiencies can occur.