Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity:: Results of our learning curve in 100 consecutive patients

Background: Morbid obesity requires life-long treatment, and bariatric surgery provides the best results. Among the bariatric procedures, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) has been considered to be superior. However, it requires advanced laparoscopic skills and a learning curve. We analyzed our results in an initial series of 100 patients. Methods: Data of 100 consecutive patients who underwent LRYGBP for morbid obesity in a 2.5-year period were prospectively collected and analyzed with emphasis on results and complications. Results: Mean age was 31 +/- 5 years. There were 63 woman and 37 men. Preoperative BMI was 50 9 kg/m(2). 33 patients were considered super-obese (BMI>50). Mean operative time was 3.8 +/- 0.7 hours. Two patients required conversion to open surgery. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. Complications occurred in 10 patients. Mortality rate was 2%. Excess body weight loss was as follows: 33 +/- 8% at 3 months (n=92), 47 +/- 2% at 6 months (n=82), 62 +/- 4% at 1 year (n=70), 66 +/- 5% at 18 months (n=63) and 67 +/- 8% at 2 years (n=35). There was significant improvement in several co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion: LRYGBP is a reproducible technique. It requires the combination of bariatric and laparoscopic expertise.