Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: five years of follow-up.

Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are commonly performed procedures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the long-term outcomes after LRYGB and LAGB.

Methods: We studied the data from a prospective database of all patients undergoing LRYGB or LAGB with 5 years of follow-up.

Results: From July 2001 to September 2003, 91 and 62 patients underwent LRYGB and LAGB, respectively. Of these patients, 73.6% of the LRYGB and 91.9% of the LAGB patients had 5 years of follow-up. Of the 91 and 62 patients, 89% and 82% were women, respectively. The mean age and body mass index was 34.5 ± 11.0 years and 39.6 ± 4.9 kg/m(2) for the LRYGB group and 38.4 ± 13.1 years and 35.8 ± 4.0 kg/m(2) for the LAGB group, respectively. The mean operative time was 150 ± 58 minutes for LYRGB and 73 ± 23 minutes for LAGB (P <.05). The conversion and reoperation rate was 8% and 4.3%, respectively, for the LRYGB group versus 0% for the LAGB group. Early postoperative complications were observed in 12 and 1 patient (P = .014) after LRYGB and LAGB, respectively. Late complications developed in 33 and 17 patients after LYRGB and LAGB, respectively (P = NS). The percentage of excess weight loss at 5 years postoperatively was 92.9% ± 25.6% and 59.1% ± 46.8% (P <.001) for LRYGB and LAGB, respectively. Surgical failure (percentage of excess weight loss <50%) at 5 years was 6% for LRYGB and 45.6% for LAGB. A late reoperation was needed in 24.1% of the LAGB patients.

Conclusion: A greater percentage of excess weight loss at 1 and 5 years was observed after LRYGB than LAGB. The LAGB group had a >40% rate of surgical failure and a 24.1% reoperation rate at 5 years of follow-up.