Re-sleeve gastrectomy for failed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been rapidly accepted as a valuable bariatric procedure before its effectiveness on weight loss in the long-term is clearly demonstrated. We report a feasibility study including 13 patients undergoing a redo LSG for either progressive weight regain after initial weight loss of insufficient weight loss.

Methods: From October 2005 to April 2010, 13 patients underwent a re-sleeve gastrectomy procedure for progressive weight regain or insufficient weight loss (<50% of excess weight (EW)) associated with the persistence of the gastric fundus on upper gastrointestinal series.

Results: Mean initial body mass index (BMI) and EW were 44.6 (37-52.9) kg/m(2) and 61.8 (38.2-93.9) kg, respectively. There were ten comorbid conditions in five out of the 13 patients. The revision resulted in a mean BMI, percent of excess weight loss (%EWL), and percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBL) of 32.3 kg/m(2), 50.3%, and 57% at 1 month; 32 kg/m(2), 47.9%, and 54.5 at 6 months; and 27.5 kg/m(2), 71.4%, and 82.8% at 12 months, respectively. There was no morbidity.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic revision of LSG is safe and effective in the short term to obtain substantial loss of weight and improvement in comorbidities.