Outcome Analysis of Early Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was initially performed as the first stage of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch in the super-obese population. In the past few years, however, LSG has been performed as a definitive procedure because of its promising early and midterm results. In this study we describe our initial experience and outcomes with LSG as a potential independent bariatric operation. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database including all patients between 2008 and 2011 was reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 100 initial consecutive patients (69 women and 31 men) were included, with a mean age of 50 years (range, 19 -79 years) and body mass index of 49 kg/m(2) (range, 36.6 -70.3 kg/m(2)). The mean operative time was 106 minutes (range, 58 -212 minutes) with a 2% conversion rate. Thirty-day perioperative complications included port-site hemorrhage (1.0%) and the inability to tolerate oral intake resulting in dehydration (3%). The reoperation rate was 2%, and the mean length of stay was 3.1 days (range, 2-12 days). In one patient with a prolonged hospital stay, an acute cholecystitis developed, and prosthetic heart valve complications developed in another patient. The mean excess body weight loss was 18%, 31.7%, 45%, 52%, 58.4%, and 64% at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively, respectively. No deaths occurred in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory outcomes and low complication rates were observed after LSG. Our findings suggest that LSG is safe and effective to serve as a definitive bariatric procedure.