Silastic ring vertical gastroplasty- long-term results and complications.

BACKGROUND

Silicone ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) in some reports is associated with significant morbidity and a tendency to regain weight in the late postoperative period. The present study aims to evaluate our long-term results, along with early and late postoperative complications.

METHODS

The early and late postoperative complications of 300 patients undergoing SRVG and followed for an average of 3.2 years, were reviewed retrospectively. The pre- and post-operative weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded in a subgroup of 131 patients with an average follow-up of 5.2 years.

RESULTS

Early postoperative complications occurred in 99 patients (33.1%), with mortality of one patient (0.3%). Vomiting was the most common late complication, occurring in 49.3%. Re-operation was performed in 19.7% of the patients, mostly for the repair of postoperative ventral hernia. Long-term results following SRVG showed a decrease in weight from 131 +/- 25 kg to 94 +/- 23.2 kg, and BMI decreased from 46.1 +/- 8.1 kg /m(2) to 32.9 +/- 7.4 kg/m(2). Excess body weight loss was 58.5 +/- 39.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients (76%) reported their satisfaction following SRVG. Long-term results revealed a significant and sustained weight loss, mild complications and low mortality rate.