Introduction: This study evaluated outcomes for the first 100 bariatric surgical procedures in a single, publicly funded Irish centre.
Methods: This was a retrospective, chart-based study. Demographics and comorbidities of patients, peri- and post-operative outcomes and health benefits obtained by surgery were assessed.
Results: In total, 87 patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures, 11 underwent sleeve gastrectomies and 2 underwent duodenal switch. The first 13 operations were done as open procedures. Of the remaining 87 cases, 85 were started laparoscopically. Postoperatively, 2 laparotomies were performed for bleeding and 2 patients developed incarcerated incisional hernias that required repair. The 30-day readmission rate was 6% of which 2 patients required emergency surgery. There was one postoperative mortality from cardio-respiratory failure.
Conclusions: This series audits the introduction of a publicly funded bariatric service in Ireland and reports a high percentage of procedures completed laparoscopically with an acceptable morbidity and mortality.