High Body Mass Index Not Contraindication to Laparoscopic Bypass
Stomach Bypass Okay For Extremely Obese Patients
| Bariatric Surgery information High Body Mass Index Not Contraindication to Laparoscopic Bypass |
Stomach Bypass Okay For Extremely Obese Patients |
|
Weight Loss Surgery Procedures - Research Into Gastric Reduction Surgery |
|
Extremely High Body Mass Index Not a Contraindication to Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is an effective operation for morbidly obese patients who have failed conservative weight loss treatments. It is currently indicated for patients with BMI >40 kg/m2 or >35 with significant co-morbidities. Controversy exists whether there is an upper limit to BMI beyond which this operation should not be performed. Methods Between April 1999 and February 2001, 82 patients (19 male, 63 female) underwent LRYGBP. Average age was 43.6, and average BMI was 56 kg/m2. These patients were divided into those with BMI < 60 and those with BMI > or =60 kg/m2. Results There were 61 patients with BMI < 60 and 21 patients with BMI > or =60. The groups were similar in age, gender, distribution or incidence of co-morbid conditions (diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, asthma) between the groups. The BMI > or =60 group had a significantly longer length of stay (6.6 days vs 5.3 days, P <0.05), and only 1 patient (BMI 85) developed an anastomotic leak and died. 2 patients in this group (BMI 62 and 73) developed small bowel obstruction requiring lysis of adhesions. 1 patient in the BMI < 60 group developed a gastrojejunal stricture requiring balloon dilatation. Conclusion While patients with a BMI > or =60 are at higher risk for postoperative complications, they are also at higher risk from continued extreme obesity. In our series, 85% of these patients had an uneventful postoperative course and began shedding excess weight. BMI > or =60 should not be a contraindication for LRYGBP. Authors: Source: Stomach Bypass Surgery Information |