Open vs laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty:: A case control study with 1-year follow-up

Background: Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) is one of the most common bariatric operations. It can be performed by open or laparoscopic methods. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the 1-year results of 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic (20) and open (20). Methods: The initial 20 patients undergoing Laparoscopic VBG and the initial 20 patients in whom an Open VBG were performed in our Institution were comparatively evaluated. Demography, surgical details, complications, and 1-year weight loss were analyzed. Results: Both groups were highly comparable in terms of age, sex and body mass index. Laparoscopic VBG was a more prolonged procedure (median 4 hr) than the open VBG (median 3 hr). On the other hand, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic procedure (median 10 days for the open and 6 days for the laparoscopic). One year weight loss and complications were similar in both groups, Conclusions: Laparoscopic VBG is a safe procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. This initial series shows comparable results.