Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as an initial bariatric operation for high-risk patients: Initial results in 10 patients

Background: The outcomes and initial results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were evaluated. Methods: A prospective study of the initial 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was performed. Study endpoints included operative time, complication rates, hospital length of stay and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). Results: There were 5 women and 5 men, with mean age 43 years (range 31 to 52). Mean preoperative weight was 182 kg (range 125-247 kg), with mean preoperative BMI 64 (range 61-80). Indication for LSG was related to BMI in all patients. 1 patient had previous restrictive bariatric surgery. Mean operative time was 2 hours (range 1.5-2.5). No patient required conversion. There were no postoperative complications nor mortality. Median hospital stay was 7.2 days. Average %EWL and BMI at I year were 51% and 23 kg/m(2), respectively. Conclusion: LSG can be safely integrated into a bariatric surgical program with good results in terms of weight loss and quality of life. LSG can be a first-stage procedure before gastric bypass or duodenal switch or a one-stage restrictive procedure if long-term results are good. LSG should be considered as a surgical option in the bariatric field.