Conversion of Open Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Single-Center, Single-Surgeon Experience with 6 Years of Follow-up

Primary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Results in Greater Weight Loss at 15-Year Follow-Up Compared with Secondary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass After Failure of Gastric Band or Mason McLean Vertical Gastroplasty

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to compare the outcomes of patients treated with secondary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) after adjustable gastric banding (AGB) or vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) with those of patients having primary RYGB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing secondary RYGB after AGB or VBG between 1997 and 2004 with a minimal follow-up of 15 years were matched using a propensity score (according to gender, age, BMI, duration of follow-up) with comparable patients who underwent primary RYGB.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 16.50 years in the secondary RYGB group (N = 32) versus 16.33 years in the primary RYGB group (N = 32). Early postoperative complications rate was 6.25% in the secondary RYGBs versus 9.38% in the primary RYGBs (P = 1). Late postoperative complications and additional surgical procedures were 56.25% and 37.5% in the secondary and primary RYGB group, respectively (P = 0.21). Long-term (at 16-20 years) %TWL and %EWL were significantly lower (P < 0.01 and P = 0.013, respectively) after secondary RYGB (%TWL = 7.56%; %EWL = 17.15%) than after primary RYGB (%TWL = 24.51%; %EWL = 55.61%). Remission of obesity-related comorbidities was comparable (P > 0.05). Gastroesophageal reflux was more frequent after secondary RGYB-43.75% versus 25%, P < 0.05. Quality of life-Morehead-Ardelt II score (0.02 in secondary RYGB versus 0.69 in primary RYGB, P = 0.13), general self-assessment of health status and weight satisfaction were comparable.

CONCLUSION

Secondary RYGB after AGB or VBG is less efficient at weight loss, GERD remission and energy expenditure at 15 years after conversion. However, it is as effective for improvement/resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and is associated with similar QoL scores.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass After Failed Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: 2-Year Follow-up of 102 Patients

BACKGROUND

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is now discarded from being a restrictive procedure for morbid obesity due to its many drawbacks, doubtful efficacy, and lots of post-operative complications. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed procedure for VBG revision. So we aimed at reporting our experience in conversional RYGB for a failed VBG.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analyzing follow-up records of 102 patients who underwent revisional RYGB after failed VBG in the period from April 2014 to January 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 102 laparoscopic revisions of failed VBGs to RYGB were performed. The mean operating time was 161.9 min ±29.2 and the mean length of the hospital stay was 1.5 days ±1.2. Fourteen patients (13%) developed early post-operative complications (gastrojejunostomy leak 5; bleeding 9). Four patients (4.7%) developed late complications (Port site hernia 2; internal hernia 1; Stomal ulcer 1). The mean BMI pre-RYGB was 46.6 ± 5.9 kg/m², and the mean %EBWL (percent excess body weight lost) of the patients at 12 and 24 months post-revision were 56.2% and 64.3%, respectively. Our patients had immediate post-revision resolution of VBG-related complications like dysphagia and vomiting. We also report improvement in all obesity-related health problems with (75.7%) complete remission rate and (24.3%) partial remission or improvement rate of diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

Conversion of VBG to RYGB is a feasible procedure and is associated with acceptable early morbidity rates and reduced lengths of hospitalization also it provides acceptable weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health problems. Graphical Abstract.

Enhanced Recovery After Revisional Bariatric Surgery: a Retrospective Study of 321 Patients with Laparoscopic Conversion of Failed Gastric Banding or Failed Mason Gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

PURPOSE

With the rising incidence of failed bariatric procedures, the importance of revisional surgery has been increasing. These revisional procedures come with a higher risk of complications leading to longer hospital stays. We believe though that enhanced recovery after revisional bariatric surgery is possible and needs to be advocated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed our laparoscopic conversions of failed gastric banding and failed Mason gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 321 patients was included in the study, from February 2010 until December 2019. The primary endpoints were length of stay (LoS), in-hospital complication rate, and early readmission rate (< 30 days). Logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of several independent variables on complication and readmission rates.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were male and 267 female. The mean age was 44.2 years and mean BMI at the time of conversion was 37.9 kg/m². We converted 273 failed adjustable gastric bandings (85,0%) and 48 failed Mason gastroplasties (15.0%). The main reason for conversion was the recurrence of obesity. A mean LoS of 2.10 days was calculated. We had an overall in-hospital complication rate of 3.73% and the overall early readmission rate was 3.43%. The odds ratio for LoS on early readmission is 1.52 (p=0.0079; CI 95% [1.12-2.07]).

CONCLUSION

The above data imply that the implementation of advanced ERAS principles for revisional surgery in our center is safe and does not lead to a higher risk of early readmission.

Revision of Mason's procedure (vertical banded gastroplasty) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: role of an associated fundectomy in weight loss outcomes

BACKGROUND

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) presents a significant rate of long-term complications, and revisions are often necessary. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) seems to be preferred, but literature data remain limited.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the indications, safety, results of conversions from VBG to RYGB, and to identify predictive factors of success or failure.

SETTING

Two specialized centers of bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This bicentric retrospective study included all the patients who benefited from a conversion from VBG to RYGB between 2008 and January 2020. Demographic characteristics, indications, preoperative workups, intraoperative data, complications, and weight loss results were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 85 patients underwent a conversion to RYGB. The mean body mass index (BMI_ before conversion was 40.6 kg/m². 82.3% of the patients were converted because of weight loss failure and 17.6% because of a complication of their VBG. The global rate of complications was 25%. After an average follow-up of 35 months and a rate of loss to follow-up of 33%, the mean BMI was 33.5 kg/m. The weight loss success rate according to Reinhold's criteria was 64.7%, and resolution of complications was obtained in 89.1%. The association of a fundectomy was a predictive factor of weight loss (odds ratio, .27; P = .04), whereas primary failure of the VBG was a predictive factor of failure.

CONCLUSION

Conversion from VBG to RYGB remains the procedure of choice to achieve satisfying weight loss and resolution of functional complications. The addition of a fundectomy appeared to have a significant positive impact on weight loss outcomes.

Long-Term Complications of Open Mason's Vertical Banded Gastroplasty at a Single Tertiary Center and Literature Review

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), introduced by Mason in 1982, is now discarded because of important long-term complications and technical difficulties to do revisional surgery. We investigated the long-term complications of VBG in our center and compared it with the literature data. Patients who underwent an open VBG at the University Hospital of Nantes between October 1991 and May 2006 were included. We reviewed preoperative clinical data, long-term outcome in weight loss, complications, and revisional surgeries with a long follow-up. Sixty-three patients (52 women and 11 men) were included, with a mean age of 43 ± 10 years and a body mass index of 46.7 ± 8.3 kg/m. The mean follow-up was 8.2 ± 4.2 years. At the end of follow-up, the mean excess weight loss (EWL) was 29.8%. Long-term success (excess weight loss > 50%) of the procedure was observed in 25 patients (39.7%). A second intervention was performed in 15 patients (23.8%), and three needed a third redo procedure. Six patients (40%) had this new intervention for late complications, and nine (60%) for weight regain. Weight loss is satisfying in the long term although the rate of reintervention is high. Long-term complication can be severe, especially with gastric stenosis that could lead to esophageal cancer. A second reintervention could be technically demanding, especially by laparoscopy, and the patients should be referred to a specialized center.

Twelve-Year Experience with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as a Conversional Procedure for Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: Are We on the Right Track?

BACKGROUND

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) has high rates of long-term complications. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered optimal; however, there are limited data on the late results of these conversions. We aimed to analyze our single-center long-term outcomes of patients requiring conversional RYGB for a failed VBG.

METHODS

The records of patients who underwent RYGB as a conversional procedure after VBG from November 2004 to December 2016 were reviewed. Follow-up data were obtained by direct telephone calls with patients, electronic files, and general practitioner reports. Characteristics, indications of conversion, long-term (> 30 days) morbidities, weight records, obesity-related comorbidities, and overall patient satisfaction were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 305 VBG patients (82% female) underwent conversional RYGB during the study period. The mean pre-RYGB body mass index (BMI) was 35.6 (23-66) kg/m². Conversions were indicated in 61% of patients because of simultaneous VBG complications and weight regain. After a median follow-up of 74.3 (5-151) months, 225 (73.8%) patients agreed to participate. The mean BMI and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were 28.6 (18-45) kg/m² and 17.4%, respectively. Nearly all conversion indications were addressed effectively. Surgical reintervention was mandatory in 28 of 225 patients (12.4%) due to complications. Approximately 85% of patients reported complete remission of obesity-related comorbidities, and four-fifths were fully satisfied.

CONCLUSION

RYGB resolves VBG complications, improves quality of life, and results in prolonged stable weight loss. It has a key role in the management of obesity-related comorbidities and in expert hands is the preferred conversional procedure for patients with failed VBG.

Conversion of both Versions of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Analysis of Short-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Conversional bariatric surgery has relatively high rates of complications. We aimed to analyze our single-center experience with patients requiring conversional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) following a failed primary open or laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (OVBG or LVBG, respectively).

METHODS

The records of patients who underwent LRYGB as a conversional procedure after VBG between November 2004 and December 2017 were reviewed. Characteristics, body mass index (BMI), operation time, intraoperative problems, length of hospitalization, and early (< 30 days) morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or frequency.

RESULTS

A total of 329 patients (81.76% females) who underwent conversional RYGB were included. For the LVBG group (224 patients) and OVBG group (105 patients), respectively, BMI was 34.15 ± 6.38 and 37.79 ± 6.31 kg/m2 (p < 0.05), the operation time was 96.00 ± 31.40 and 123.15 ± 40.26 min (p < 0.05), hospitalization duration was 2.96 ± 1.13 and 3.20 ± 1.20 days (p = 0.08), the early complication rate was 7.14 and 11.43% (p = 0.19), and the reoperation rate was 2.23 and 2.86% (p = 0.73). There were no major intraoperative problems. Three patients with OVBG were converted to open RYGB (2.86%). There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

The conversion of OVBG and LVBG to laparoscopic RYGB is technically feasible and provides comparably low early morbidity rates and length of hospitalization. However, compared to LVBG, conversional laparoscopic RYGB following OVBG is technically more challenging and time-consuming, with a slightly higher risk of conversion to open surgery. We support the use of such conversional bariatric surgery in specialized, high-volume bariatric centers.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Failed Vertical Banded Gastroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although the vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is effective in achieving weight loss without metabolic side effects during the first few years, late failures cause weight regain in about 20% of the patients. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the procedure of choice to convert a failed VBG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between August 2014 and June 2016, 37 patients (23 females and 14 males) underwent revisional LRYGBs after failed VBGs. Thirty-four patients had open VBGs and two patients had laparoscopic butterfly gastroplasties. These patients completed follow-ups of at least 1 year.

RESULTS

The median operating time was 164 min (range 132-246), and the mean length of the hospital stay was 2.4 days (range 2-7). The mean body mass index (BMI) of the study group was 42.5 kg/m², while the mean BMI and the percentage of excess body weight loss (%EBWL) for the patients 6 months after the operation were 31.7 kg/m² and 52.1%, respectively. The mean BMI and %EBWL for the patients 1 year after the operation were 29.5 kg/m² and 67.7%, respectively. There were neither intraoperative complications nor postoperative mortalities, but the overall complication rate was 22% (eight patients).

CONCLUSION

An LRYGB following a VBG is technically challenging, but safe, with low morbidity and mortality rates. Moreover, a revisional LRYGB provides excellent weight loss results.