Abstract
Background
Stenosis of the gastrojejunostomy after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a common occurrence. We have previously presented data demonstrating that the use of a 25-mm circular stapler results in a decreased incidence of stenosis compared to the results of a 21-mm circular stapler (6.2 vs. 15.9%, P = 0.03). One potential drawback of the larger-diameter stapler is the possibility for impaired long-term weight loss due to decreased restriction. We sought to determine the impact of circular stapler diameter on excess weight loss up to 5 years after surgery.
Methods
Our initial technique for creating the gastrojejunostomy after laparoscopic gastric bypass involved the transgastric passage of a 21-mm circular stapler anvil (group 1). After a large initial experience, we switched to a 25-mm circular stapler (group 2). Follow-up data were entered prospectively into a computer database. Weight loss was recorded as percent of excess weight lost. Only patients with follow-up beyond 3 years postoperatively were eligible for inclusion.
Results
Group 1 consisted of 145 consecutive patients and group 2 consisted of 116 consecutive patients. There was no significant difference in weight loss between the groups at 3 (66.1 vs. 65.2%, P = 0.76, n = 134), 4 (66.4 vs. 58.6%, P = 0.1, n = 66), and 5 years after gastric bypass (62.7 vs. 57.5%, P = 0.24, n = 75).
Conclusions
The use of a 25-mm circular stapler in laparoscopic gastric bypass operations instead of a 21-mm stapler does not result in significantly different long-term weight loss. The 25-mm stapler is preferred with our technique.
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Disclosures
Dr. Gould is a speaker for Covidien for which he receives an honorarium. Drs. Smith and Garren have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.
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Smith, C., Garren, M. & Gould, J. Impact of gastrojejunostomy diameter on long-term weight loss following laparoscopic gastric bypass: a follow-up study. Surg Endosc 25, 2164–2167 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-010-1516-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-010-1516-x