Continued excellent results with the mini-gastric bypass: six-year study in 2,410 patients.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing body of evidence showing that the Mini-Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a safe and effective alternative to other bariatric surgical operations. This study reports on the results of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing the MGB.

METHODS

A prospective database was used to continuously assess the results in 2,410 MGB patients treated from September 1997 to February 2004.

RESULTS

The average operative time was 37.5 minutes, and the median length of stay was 1 day. The 30-day mortality and complication rates were 0.08% and 5.9% respectively. The leak rate was 1.08%. Average weight loss at 1 year was 59 kg (80% of excess body weight). The most frequent long-term complications were dyspepsia and ulcers (5.6%) and iron deficiency anemia (4.9%.) Excessive weight loss with malnutrition occurred in 1.1%. Weight loss was well maintained over 5 years, with <5% patients regaining more than 10 kg.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the MGB is very safe initially and in the long-term. It has reliable weight loss and complications similar to other forms of gastric bypass.