Laparoscopic obesity surgery in an Asian Institute: A 10‐year prospective study with review of literature

Objective: Obesity surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and leads to dramatic improvement in related co‐morbidities. The aim of this study was to present the long‐term results of a prospective trial studying the efficacy of laparoscopic obesity surgery in a group of oriental patients. Method: From April 1998 to March 2009, 2385 patients who underwent obesity surgery in a single bariatric center in Asia were recruited. Various procedures have been adopted so far, including laparoscopic vertical banded gastric partition in 652 patients (27.3%), laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) in 1228 patients (51.5%), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in 226 patients (9.5%), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in 128 patients (5.4%), gastric balloon in 68 patients (2.8%) and laparoscopic revision surgery in 83 patients (3.5%). We evaluated the clinical data and effect of obesity surgery on different procedures. Results: Overall, the major complication rate and mortality were 1.5% and 0.12%. There was an increase of surgical risk in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic revision surgery patients. The mean total weight loss for the population was 28.1%, 33.9%, 21.3% 18.7% and 17.4% at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 years after surgery, respectively. LGB had a better weight loss (30.1%) than that of the restrictive‐type procedures (20.9%) at 5 years after surgery. After surgery, most of the obesity‐associated co‐morbidities were resolved or improved in these patients. Conclusion: Laparoscopic obesity surgery resulted in significant and sustained weight loss in morbidly obese Asian patients with resolution of associated co‐morbidities. LGB had a better result in weight reduction than other restrictive procedures.