Laparoscopic Surgery for Morbid Obesity: 1,001 Consecutive Bariatric Operations Performed at the Bariatric Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida

Abstract

Morbid obesity is an epidemic in America. This series evaluates the safety and efficacy in the first 1,001 laparoscopic bariatric operations performed at The Bariatric Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida. A retrospective review was conducted examining all patients undergoing a primary bariatric procedure (either laparoscopic gastric bypass or laparoscopic gastric banding) from July 2000 to December 2003. 2 surgeons performed 1,001 laparoscopic bariatric operations. Average age was 47 (19-75) years, average BMI was 55.6 (35-97) kg/m2, and average ASA class was III. Excess weight loss was 51% at 6 months, 73.4% at 1 year for the gastric bypass group and 54% at 1 year for the laparoscopic banding group. The overall complication rate was 31.8% (12.4% major and 19.4% minor) in the gastric bypass group and 13% in the laparoscopic banding group. There was no postoperative mortality. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is feasible and safe for weight loss. Results obtained have been comparable to those reported for the open approach for weight loss, with a similar major morbidity rate and an improved mortality rate.