Other laparoscopic bariatric procedures

Laparoscopic surgery is regarded as a major improvement reflected by a rapid recovery and low perioperative and postoperative morbidity. In obese patients the gains of this new technique may be affected by obesity-related problems, such as impaired respiratory function, high intraabdominal pressure, thick abdominal wall, and liver steatosis. This review describes the development of laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass procedures; and it addresses questions such as feasibility, comparability to open procedures, procedure-related problems, and recovery. The clinical outcome after laparoscopic VBG and gastric bypass is also updated. Up to May 1997 we have operated on 105 patients with laparoscopic VBG and another 26 completed laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures. The weight loss after both procedures are in accordance with the weight loss seen with open surgery. Procedure-related complications are described in detail in this paper. It is concluded that laparoscopic bariatric surgery will remain an area of importance for clinical practice, research, and development.