[Surgical treatment of morbid obesity at a regional center]

Author: Sovik TT, Aasheim ET, Kristinsson J, Schou CF, Nesbakken A, Mala T

Author affiliation: Kirurgisk klinikk, Aker universitetssykehus, 0514 Oslo. torgeir.sovik@akersykehus.no

Publication date & source: 2007.01.04, Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen., 127(1):47-9.

Publication type: English Abstract

BACKGROUND: Aker University Hospital has since 2004 offered laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity. This study describes the characteristics of the patients undergoing surgery, the preoperative evaluation and the perioperative outcome after the first 139 laparoscopic procedures for morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients operated between June 2004 and March 2006 are included in the study. The registration of data was first retrospective, and from 2006 prospective using specially designated registration forms. RESULTS: Surgery was performed on 105 women (76%) and 33 men. The median age was 39 years (range 22-60), and the median preoperative body mass index was 47 kg/m2 (37-71). Frequent comorbidities included joint pain (44%), hypertension (31%), asthma (30%) and diabetes mellitus (27%). The patients underwent gastric bypass (86%), duodenal switch (10%) or gastric sleeve (4%). Two procedures (1%) were converted to open surgery. Perioperative morbidity (within 30 days) was 19%. The most frequent major complications were leakage from the stomach or bowel in seven patients (5%), intra-abdominal bleeding in four patients (3%) and deep infection (3%). Reoperation was performed on 13 patients (9%). One patient died following surgery (1%). INTERPRETATION:. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery has now been established at Aker University Hospital. The complication rates seem acceptable, considering the patients'comorbid conditions and the introduction of advanced laparoscopic procedures.