C Kendrick, MD, J Dickerson, MD, M Harnisch, MD, J Pfluke, MD
San Antonio Military Medical Center
Background- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is increasingly employed in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Our aim was to report our initial experience with this procedure at a military teaching institution.
Methods- A retrospective review was performed of all primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies (LSG) performed at our institution from October 2008 to February 2012. 369 patients (291 females) with a mean age of 48 and mean body mass index of 42.8 underwent LSG. Patients were reviewed for obesity related comorbidities, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and postoperative complications including sleeve stenosis, bleeding, and staple line leak.
Results- 369 primary sleeve gastrectomies were performed at our institution in this time period. Mean %EWL at 6 months was 45+13%, and at 12 months was 54+17%. Sleeve stenosis requiring dilation occurred in 1.9% (7/369). Bleeding complications occurred in 2.7% (10/369), 7 of which underwent reoperation for control. Staple line leak occurred in 0.5% (2/369). One distal leak was successfully managed with covered stents, distal feeding and bowel rest, while one proximal leak required multiple endoscopic and open surgical operations.
Conclusions- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of obesity. Longer term follow-up remains necessary.
Session: Poster Presentation
Program Number: P461