A gastroplasty that avoids stapling in continuity
MacLean, L.D.; Rhode, B.M.; Forse, R.A.
Surgery 113(4): 380-388
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6060 PMID: 8456393 Document Number: 420907
Background: Staple line perforations have been the principal cause of failure after vertical-banded gastroplasty in patients followed at least 4 years at our institution. In the present study an operation was devised that created a vertical-banded gastroplasty not dependent on staple lines to avoid this complication. Methods: One hundred two patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m-2 underwent vertical-banded gastroplasty from Jan. 1 to Dec. 30, 1986, with an orifice size of 45 to 47 mm external circumference and division between the vertical staple lines to prevent gastric pouch to gastric fundus fistula. Results: Ninety-eight of the patients have been followed up for a minimum of 4 years. Sixty-two percent of patients obtained an excellent or good final result after 4.5 +- 0.1 years. This was a BMI of less than 35 kg/m-2 or less than 50% excess weight. This acceptable long-term result was achieved 90% of the time if the patient was obese (BMI, 35 to 40 kg/m-2) before surgery and in 75% of patients who were morbidly obese (BMI, 40 to 50 kg/m-2) but in only 30% of patients who were superobese (BMI gt 50 kg/m-2) before surgery. Staple line disruption was markedly reduced; however, stenosis or failure to lose weight or late weight gain required reoperation in 36% of the patients. Conclusions: Gastric bypass was superior to reversal or revision of the gastroplasty as a remedial operation. This study again questions the value of vertical-banded gastroplasty in the treatment of obesity even when staple line disruption is markedly diminished.