Laparoscopic gastric bypass versus laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the super-obese: a comparative study of 290 patients.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the best surgical treatment for super-obesity (BMI >50 kg/m2). The two most common bariatric procedures performed worldwide are laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). We undertook a retrospective single-center study to compare the safety and efficacy of these two operations in super-obese patients.

METHODS: 290 super-obese patients underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery: 179 LAGB and 111 LRYGBP.

RESULTS: There were one death in both groups. The early complication rate was higher in the LAGB group (10% vs 2.8%, P<0.01). Late complication rate was higher in the LAGB group (26% vs 15.3%, P<0.05). Operating time and hospital stay were significantly higher in the LRYGBP group. LRYGBP had significantly better excess weight loss than LAGB (63% vs 41% at 1 year, and 73% vs 46% at 2 years), as well as lower BMI than LAGB (35 vs 41 at 18 months).

CONCLUSION: LRYGBP results in significantly greater weight loss than LAGB in super-obese patients, but is associated with a higher early complication rate.