LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY FOR MORBID OBESITY: TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was originally used as a bridge to definitive surgery in high risk patients. Recently it has been considered as a stand- alone procedure due to its effectiveness on weight loss and co-morbidities resolution. Aim: To evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a single therapy in the treatment of morbid obesity. Methods: Forty patients with morbid obesity and or obesity related co-morbidities were included in this study. Their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 35k/m2 to 45kg/ ml were managed from June 2009 to January 2012 at Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Preoperative demographic data, operative procedure, immediate and long-term follow-up results of LSG are analyzed according to a prospective database. Results: LSG was performed laparoscopically in 39 cases (97.5%) with 2.5% conversion rate in one case. The mean operative time was 105±25min. There was an acceptable excess weight loss 46.7% at 12 months and 58.8% at 18 months. Early postoperative complications revealed one case (2.5%) developed gastric outlet stenosis that died after re-operation (mortality rate); however, no leakage from stapler line, dumpingsyndrome marginal ulcer, or nutritional problems were observed during postoperative follow-up. All of the main co-morbidities improved after this procedure. Conclusion: According to short - term follow-up LSG is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. Also LSG is effective for co-morbidities resolution. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the effectiveness of LSG as a single therapy in the treatment of morbid obesity