BT07P AN EMERGING TECHNIQUE IN BARIATRIC SURGERY, IN AN UNUSUAL PATIENT COHORT

Abstract

This reports on a pilot study of the use of sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Background: The management of obesity is an increasingly important issue in health care. Bariatric surgery is now well established as the only modality which can effect significant, sustained weight loss and thus control of subsequent complications. With increasing experience of the Bariatric Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital we are looking at special cases in obesity surgery.Sleeve Gastrectomy and IBD: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a laparoscopic surgical technique which is increasing in application. It is effective for weight reduction and early studies show low morbidity and mortality. The technique involves stapled resection of much of the greater curve of the stomach, leaving a remnant gastric tube.In comparison to other bariatric surgery techniques we feel sleeve gastrectomy is particularly useful in obese patients with IBD. Whilst morbid obesity is an infrequent issue in the inflammatory bowel disease patient cohort, the surgical management presents particular issues for customary techniques. SG does not require implantation of foreign material, open surgery or surgery upon the small bowel.Furthermore this cohort has specific issues where obesity may impact upon their IBD, resulting in specific indications for bariatric surgery.We report on the outcomes from our early experience.