The effect of bougie size on the short-term outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Abstract

Background Obesity is a worldwide epidemic. Laparoscopic sleeve (LS) gastrectomy has recently been identified as an innovative approach to the surgical management of obesity. One of the most debated issues is the size of the bougie used during the procedure. We conducted this study to elucidate a potential difference in the short-term outcome between 40 and 32 Fr bougies. Objectives To assess the effect of the size of bougie on the outcome of weight loss and quality of life (QOL). Design This was an interventional prospective randomized study. Study duration This study was carried out over a 27-month period (from January 2015 to March 2017). Patients and methods A total of 48 morbidly obese patients were candidates for LS gastrectomy with the aim to evaluate the effect of using 32 versus 40 Fr bougie on the outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: group 1 (24 patients), in which laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was carried out using 32 Fr bougie, and group 2 (24 patients), where LS gastrectomy was done using 40 Fr bougie. Body weight, BMI, bariatric QOL, lipid profile, and comorbidities were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for a duration of 12 months. Results There is no statistically significant difference between the two study groups according to the resolution of comorbidities throughout the postoperative follow-up (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups according to improvement of the QOL score during postoperative follow-up (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to the incidence of complications (25% in group 1 vs. 25% in group 2; P>0.05). Conclusion Bougie size does not influence the short-term results of LS, that is, excess weight loss percentage, resolution of comorbidities, improvement of the QOL, and incidence of complications.