Clinical Results and Nutritional Consequences of Biliopancreatic Diversion: Three Years of Follow-Up

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity, reducing obesity-associated comorbidities. The aim of our work was to describe clinical results and nutritional complications in morbidly obese patients with biliopancreatic diversion. Methods: We have analyzed a consecutive series of 64 patients who have been followed up for 3 years after undergoing open biliopancreatic diversion by the Scopinaro technique. Results: Initial excess weight loss was 29.3% at 6 months and 61.5% at 3 years. A significant improvement of body mass index, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, glucose level, total cholesterol, uric acid and triglycerides levels was detected. Ferritin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B 12, zinc and copper levels showed a low percentage of deficiency at basal time, but during the follow-up, the percentage of deficiency increased. Vitamin E and K did not show basal deficiency. However, after surgery, a moderate deficiency of both vitamins was detected ( vitamin E 7.1% and vitamin K 8.3%). Folic acid deficiency was observed in 54.3% of the subjects at basal time, but decreased during the study. Conclusion: Biliopancreatic diversion is an effective method of sustainable weight loss. However, micronutrient deficiencies can occur. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel