Marie Peskova

Assessment of the Outcome of Laparoscopic Nonadjustable Gastric Banding and Stoma Adjustable Gastric Banding: Surgeon's and Patient's View

Background: The results of nonadjustable gastric banding (NAGB) and stoma adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) in the treatment of morbid obesity are compared. Of 300 patients operated laparoscopically with NAGB since 1993 and of 25 with SAGB since 1994, 65 in the NAGB and 11 in the SAGB group were available for a 3-year follow-up study. Methods: For assessment of the outcome of our laparoscopic approach in terms of weight loss, length of hospitalization, immediate and late postoperative wound complications, postoperative changes in the band and pouch area, were compared in patients from both groups. The patients opinion on the outcome of the operation and the quality of postoperative digestion was recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay and wound complication rate in the two groups or the weight loss at 36 months after surgery. There was a statistically significant lower incidence of postoperative food intolerance and vomiting and a lower rate of immediate and long-term reoperation rate in the SAGB group. Conclusion: SAGB is a method with less postoperative complications in food intolerance and vomiting in comparison with NAGB.

The Role of Laparoscopy in the Treatment of Morbid Obesity

Background: Laparoscopic surgery was established as a regular surgical technique 11 years ago. There are still some controversies among surgeons about the benefits of this method. Method: A retrospective 3-year analysis of immediate and long-term complication rates, hospitalization length, and weight loss following laparotomic and laparoscopic nonadjustable gastric banding in 150 and 145 patients, respectively, was undertaken. Some of the criteria usually used for comparison of results in laparotomy and laparoscopy in general surgery were used in this analysis as background for the comparison of the two groups of obese patients. One example of the different results of the laparotomic and laparoscopic approaches in bariatric surgery was provided by obese monozygotic twins who underwent surgery the same day in our department, one by laparotomy and the other by laparoscopy. There was a significant difference in hospitalization length, in required postoperative analgesia, and in levels of c-reactive protein. Results: There was no statistical difference in intraoperative complication rates in the two groups, but there was a significant difference in immediate and long-term postoperative complications of wound discharge and incisional hernias. The obese twins illustrate the significant difference in postoperative c-reactive protein levels and in length of operating time and hospitalization in favor of laparoscopy, and this difference supports our results in much larger groups of genetically unrelated patients who were studied. Conclusion: At the end of the 10-year period of laparoscopic surgery for bariatric procedures, the results were impressive. The laparoscopic approach to surgery for morbid obesity was of considerable value in terms of low morbidity and mortality.

Some Complications After Laparoscopic Nonadjustable Gastric Banding

Background: Bariatric surgery is the only currently available, effective, long-term method for controlling morbid obesity. Gastric banding as one of the possible surgical treatments was repeatedly described during the last 10 years. It is a reversible surgical procedure which is primarily performed laparoscopically. Methods: From 1993 to 1998 at the 1st Surgical Department Faculty General Hospital Charles University in Prague we performed nonadjustable gastric banding laparoscopically in 487 patients with morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] 34 to 49 kg/m2). There were 429 females and 58 males in this group. Results: In 487 patients who underwent laparoscopic nonadjustable gastric banding (LNGB): early postoperative complications occurred in 29 cases (5.9%)--swelling of the gastric mucosa at the site of the nonadjustable band. In three cases (0.6%)--gastric perforations, and in two patients (0.4%)-- bleeding from gastric ulceration at the site of the band. Swelling was treated conservatively with a nasogastric tube and antisecretory and antiedematic drugs. Bleeding was treated by gastrofibroscopy and gastric perforation by open suture of the lesion. Late complications after LNGB occurred in eight patients (1.7%)--gastritis or esophagitis (but at the site of the band in only two patients [0.4%]), and in 13 patients (2.7%)--small upper pouch dilatation. In 24 cases (4.9%), we discovered slippage of the anterior stomach wall above the band. In three patients (0.6%), the band migrated through the gastric wall in 6-12 months following surgery. In the majority of cases, treatment of these complications was conservative. In eight patients we removed the band by laparoscopy, and in three patients we removed the migrating band from the stomach by open gastrotomy. Other complications have been treated conservatively by correcting the diet, prokinetic drugs, and antisecretory treatment. Conclusions: According to our long-term results, LNGB by experienced bariatric and laparoscopic surgeons is a viable method with low morbidity. In our 487 patients, there were major complications (necessitating reoperation) in 3.2% and minor complications (treated conservatively) in 10.4%.

Gastric Banding: Advantages and Complications. A 5- and 10-Year Follow-up

Background: Gastric banding is one of the simplest surgical procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. We performed more than 150 ‘laparotomy’ (open) gastric bandings and more than 50 ‘laparoscopic’ bandings in the last 10 years. Methods: In most procedures we used non-adjustable bands, but since the beginning of 1995 we have used adjustable silicone banding. Results: The 5- and 10-year follow-up weight loss results are encouraging. The average long-term weight loss was 35.5 kg. Since 1993, we performed all the procedures laparoscopically, and the postoperative complications decreased from 18.5% in the ‘laparotomy’ group to 9.5% in the ‘laparoscopic’ group, with the majority being esophagitis and outlet area irritation. Conclusion: Gastric banding itself and especially the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach is an easy technical procedure. The long-term weight loss results and the reoperation rate are acceptable for bariatric surgery criteria.

Bariatric Surgery at the 1st Surgical Department in Prague: History and Some Technical Aspects

Background: Obesity has been increasing in the Czech Republic over the last 20 years. In 1983 we were one of the first surgical departments in the country which performed bariatric surgery on a regular basis. Methods: From 1983 to 1986 we performed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Because of a high rate of various complications arising both from the stomach and the wound, we switched in 1986 to ‘less aggressive’ nonadjustable gastric banding (GB). In 1993 we performed the first laparoscopic nonadjustable banding, and in 1994 we started laparoscopic placement of adjustable gastric bands. Results: In the group of 52 patients who underwent VBG and were followed-up, acceptable weight loss results (−40.5 kg) were achieved in the 24 months following surgery. The postoperative complications were high; 17.3% gastric staple-line disruption and 15.3% wound complications (incisional hernias, discharge, etc.). Since 1986, we have performed nonadjustable GB in 150 patients and achieved weight loss of -38.4 kg in the 24 months following surgery. There was no change in the wound complication rate, but the complications arising from the stomach and the band decreased to 6.3%. Since June 1993, we have performed 268 procedures laparoscopically, either with nonadjustable bands or, since 1994, with the adjustable bands. The wound complication rate decreased to 0.9%, and one complication (6.6%) was related with the adjustable band. Conclusions: Because of the high rate of post-operative complications in our experience with VBG, we started GB in 1986. Since then the number of complications arising from the stomach has decreased substantially. With the laparoscopic technique, there was a further decrease in wound healing problems. With the adjustable GB, a significant decrease in the stomach-related complications occurred. Shorter hospital stays were possible with the laparoscopic technique. Long-term weight loss results have not been significantly different among the above mentioned procedures.

New Approach in Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding.

Background: gastric banding has been performed for morbid obesity, with the last nine patients having a laparoscopic approach. Materials: forty-five patients who had undergone primary operations for morbid obesity between 1986 and 1993 were selected for retrospective analysis. All patients had undergone gastric banding. Average pre-operative BMI was 50.9 (kg m−2) and average pre-operative weight was 135.1 kg. Results: the 3-year mean post-operative BMI reached 28.7 and the 3-year mean post-operative weight loss was 55.7 kg. Blood pressure significantly decreased from the mean 151/96 mmHg to 132/90 mmHg at 1-year follow-up. There were no significant changes noted in the levels of RBC, electrolytes and transaminase. There were post-operative wound-healing complications in 18.1% of the patients, wound discharge in 8.8% and incisional hernia in 8.8% of the patients. In 1993 we commenced laparoscopic gastric banding which enabled us to shorten the hospital stay and decrease post-operative complications. Conclusion: we are achieving the same good weight-loss results with the laparoscopic technique as after ‘open’ laparotomy gastric banding.

History and Technical Aspects of Bariatric Surgery in the Czech Republic

Background: Central Europe and the Czech Republic are specific in the prevalence of obesity which has increased by 10-40% during the last 10 years. Methods: In the Czech republic there is 30 years of experience of a comprehensive approach to obesity treatment which includes: dietary treatment; exercise; behavioral modification; drug treatment; and bariatric surgery. Each of these approaches has its place in complex obesity management. Since 1983 bariatric surgery has been established in the Czech Republic for the treatment of morbid obesity. Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), gastric banding, laparoscopic nonadjustable and adjustable gastric bandings have been used over the years. Since 1993 laparoscopic gastric banding has been the only method used in our department. Results: The comprehensive approach for obesity treatment in the Czech Republic has resulted in the development of obesity management and research centers, regional obesity units, obesity out-patients clinics and weight reduction clubs. The surgical treatment is a well-established part of this system and the long-term results of surgical treatment are acceptable both in terms of weight loss and complication rate. There has been no statistical difference in weight loss results following VBG and laparoscopic gastric banding, but there is a significant decrease in morbidity, and shorter hospital stay associated with laparoscopic gastric banding. Conclusions: The surgical approach in obesity treatment has an important place in the comprehensive care of obese patients. Laparoscopic gastric banding in the hands of an experienced surgeon is a method with low morbidity, short hospital stay and long-term weight loss results which are fully comparable with the results of other surgical approaches.