Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Surgical technique, indications and clinical results

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been introduced as a multipurpose restrictive procedure for obese patients. Variations of the surgical technique would be important for the late results. Methods: 50 patients submitted to LSG from January 2005 to December 2006 were studied. Mean age was 38.2 years, preoperative weight was 103.4±14.1 kg (78 to 146 kg), and preoperative BMI was 37.9±3.4 (32.9 to 46.8). Co-morbidities were present in 29 patients (58%). Results: Operative time was 110±15 min. Intraoperative difficulties were observed in 7 patients. Volume of the resected specimen was 760±55 ml and capacity of the gastric remnant was 108.5±25 ml.There was no conversion to open surgery. Histology of the resected stomach was normal in 8 patients, while chronic gastritis was found in 42 patients. At 6 and 12 postoperative months, body weight was 28±6.4 kg and 32.6±6.8 kg respectively. In the 18 patients who have reached 1 year follow-up, %excess BMI loss reached 85±0.7%. Mo