Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for failed gastric banding: outcomes in 642 patients

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a well-tolerated procedure but has high long-term complication and failure rates. Laparoscopic conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is one of the rescue strategies.

Objectives: To analyze short- and long-term results of reoperative LRYGB after failed LAGB.

Setting: Three European expert bariatric center (2 university hospitals and 1 regional hospital).

Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data, including all consecutive patients submitted to revisional LRYGB for failed LAGB between 1999 and 2013, was performed. Complications were classified according to the Dindo-Clavien system. Long-term results in terms of weight loss were analyzed in a subgroup of patients.

Results: A total of 642 patients (569 women and 73 men) were included. Mean±standard deviation operating time was 188±43 minutes. There was no mortality and an overall complication rate of 9.7%, including 3.6% major complications, with no difference between the 1- or 2-step approaches. Follow-up rate was 88% at 10 years for the Swiss patient cohort. The mean excess body mass index loss was between 65% and 70% throughout the study period, and the mean total weight loss was between 28% and 30% based on the maximum weight. The mean body mass index decreased from 44.7 kg/m(2) before LAGB to 31.6, 32.2, and 32.5 kg/m(2) at 1, 5, and 10 years after revision.

Conclusions: Revisional LRYGB is well tolerated and feasible after failed LAGB. A 1-step approach, in cases without erosion, does not increase operative morbidity. Results up to 10 years after revision are comparable to those reported after primary LRYGB.