Laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch Research Articles

The Outcomes of Laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch on Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease: the Mayo Clinic Experience.

The outcomes of laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) on gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are not well elucidated. This retrospective review included patients undergoing laparoscopic primary BPD-DS at Mayo Clinic from 2009 to 2019. GERD parameters analyzed included subjective symptom report/anti-reflux medication intake and/or endoscopic findings. GERD-HRQL questionnaire was also utilized post-operatively. Three subgroups were employed to stratify patients depending on GERD outcomes: the "No-effect" subgroup included patients where surgery did not affect either positively (GERD resolution) or negatively (de novo GERD) GERD outcome, "De novo GERD" subgroup, and "GERD-resolved" subgroup. Multinomial logistic modeling was used to examine associations with the 3-level GERD subgroup (p<0.05). Seventy-six patients were included in the analysis. Thirty-four (44.7%) patients were found to be in the "GERD-resolved" subgroup, 28 (36.8%) patients in the "No-effect" subgroup, and 14 (18.4%) patients in the "De novo GERD" subgroup. Multinomial logistic modeling showed that patients with pre-surgery diabetes mellitus (DM) had lesser odds (OR= 0.248, (95% CI: 0.085-0.724, p=0.0108)) of GERD resolution than patients without pre-surgery DM. An association was also established between %TWL at 6 and 12 months following the procedure and GERD outcome (p=0.017 and 0.008, respectively). Finally, the mean (SD) post-operative GERD-HRQL score was 8.7 (8.1) points, and 69 (91%) patients were currently satisfied with their post-operative condition. Laparoscopic BPD-DS appears to have a satisfactory GERD outcome in most patients undergoing the operation. There appears to be an association between pre-operative DM, %TWL at 6 and 12 months, and GERD prognosis in this population.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery for Insufficient Weight Loss and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Our 12-Year Experience.

Although bariatric surgery is increasing in Japan, revision surgery is uncommon. To clarify indications for the various revision surgeries available, we retrospectively assessed perioperative/postoperative outcomes of revisional weight loss surgeries performed at our medical center between July 2006 and July 2017. The study group comprised patients treated for insufficient weight loss (IWL group, n = 15) or intractable postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD group, n = 9). Clinical characteristics and perioperative/postoperative outcomes were assessed for the total patients, per patient group, and per type of revision surgery performed. In the IWL group, BMI decreased from 47.3 ± 9.2kg/m2 at the time of revision surgery to 36.9 ± 7.4kg/m2 1year later, and excess weight loss (%EWL) reached 62.7 ± 14.6%. Among patients whose primary surgery was laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, %EWL and total weight loss (%) were greater after laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD/DS) or duodenojejunal bypass (DJB) than after other revision surgeries. Complete or partial remission of the GERD was achieved in all GERD group patients (9/9, 100%), and six (6/9, 66.7%) were able to discontinue proton pump inhibitor therapy. Serious complications occurred in four patients (4/24, 16.7%) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB): stump leakage in one, gastrojejunal leak in one, and gastrojejunal stricture in two. LBPD/DS or DJB as revision surgery appears to be effective for further weight loss in the medium term, and LRYGB appears to be effective for GERD remission. Bariatric surgeons should bear in mind, however, that the post-LRYGB complication rate appears to be relatively high.

Second-stage duodenal switch for sleeve gastrectomy failure: A matched controlled trial

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the predominant bariatric surgery worldwide. However, the surgical management in case of failure is still debated. ObjectivesTo evaluate the risks and benefits of converting SG to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) for suboptimal outcome after SG. SettingUniversity-affiliated tertiary care center. MethodsWe included all patients who underwent a laparoscopic second-stage duodenal switch (DS) for weight loss failure after SG and had a minimal follow-up of 2 years. Patients were matched 1:1 for age, sex, body mass index, and year of surgery with a group of patients who underwent a single-stage laparoscopic BPD-DS. Data were obtained from our prospective electronic database and are reported as the mean ± standard deviation, comparing 2- versus 1-stage BPD-DS. ResultsA total of 118 patients were included (59 in each group). There was no significant difference in initial body mass index (53.8 ± 9.7 versus 52.7 ± 7.8 kg/m2, P = .4), age (44.0 ± 10.2 versus 43.4 ± 9.6 yr, P = .5), and sex ratio (37 female/22 male, P > .9) between the 2 groups. Mean follow-up was 59.9 ± 27 months, with an 85% (n = 100) follow-up rate. Patients were converted to BPD-DS after a mean 24.4 ± 10.2 months. There was no short- or long-term mortality. Major 90-days complications occurred in 2%, 5%, and 5% after SG, second-stage DS and single-stage BPD-DS, respectively (P > .05). At the time of conversion, the excess weight loss for SG was 39 ± 17% and total weight loss was 20 ± 9%. After DS or single-stage BPD-DS, the excess weight loss was 74.8 ± 18% versus 87.9 ± 18% at 1 year (n = 107, P = .00021), 80.2 ± 17% versus 92.3 ± 14% at 2 years (n = 100, P = .002), and 80.2 ± 18% versus 87.2 ± 16% at 3 years (n = 70, P = .6). Total weight loss was 38.7 ± 9% versus 44.5 ± 8% at 1 year (P = .0004), 41.2 ± 9% versus 46.8 ± 7% at 2 years (P = .001), and 42.3 ± 9% versus 45.1 ± 9% at 3 years (P = .2). The incidence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension before surgery were 61% versus 54% and 58% versus 47%. Remission rate for type 2 diabetes increased from 59% to 94% after second-stage DS (P = .001), which is identical to first-stage BPD-DS (94%). Remission of hypertension increased from 42% to 77% after second-stage DS (P = .03) and was 71% after first-stage BPD-DS (P = .8). ConclusionSecond-stage DS is an effective option for the management of suboptimal outcomes of SG, with an additional 41% excess weight loss and 35% remission rate for type 2 diabetes. At 3 years, the global outcomes of staged approach did not significantly differ from single-stage BPD-DS; however, longer-term outcomes are still needed.

Laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch - The Most Effective Operation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. How I do it?

Background: Morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes are rapidly increasing worldwide. The conservative treatment is providing a limited control while the more efficient metabolic surgery is more recommended. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is the operation which provides one of the most stable weight losses and T2DM remission of any bariatric procedure. The aim is to describe the technique of laparoscopic BPD-DS. Methods: The detailed technical aspects of LBPD-DS are presented. Fiftysix consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS in our Bariatric Surgery Program, meaning 0.7% of the authors' bariatric surgery activity (2002-2018). Thirteen of them had BPD-DS as a primary option and the rest (42 patients, 75%) had the procedure in 2 stages. 48 patients had poorly controlled T2DM. Median hospital length of stay was 6 days (range 3-21 days). There 30-day mortality was nil. Major morbidities occurred in 4 patients (7.1%), including 1 anastomotic leak (1.7%), 3 staple-line hemorrhages (5.3%) 12 BPD-DS patients were lost in the follow-up program and the mean follow up rate for the rest was 62 months (12-156 mo.). The %excess BMI loss was 82 Â+- 13% while the T2DM remission rate was 92% (44 pts) Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that BPD-DS is the most effective metabolic procedure on obesity-related comorbidities, especially on T2DM, with an acceptable morbidity. However, due to its technical complexity and concerns regarding severe metabolic disturbances and malnutrition the utilization of this bariatric surgical procedure is limited compared to other surgical options.

Venous thromboembolism after laparoscopic or robotic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Ninety-days outcome of a 10 years’ experience

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a feared complication after bariatric surgery. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a complex bariatric procedure that is offered typically to super morbidly obese patients. Scarce data exist in reporting VTE outcome and identifying the risk factors associated with it after BPD-DS. ObjectiveTo determine the risk factors for VTE after BPD-DS at 90-day follow-up. SettingA nonprofit regional referral center and teaching hospital in Pennsylvania. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on prospectively collected data over 10 years, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016. Patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic BPD-DS were included. Preoperative variables, selected risk factors, and methods of VTE prophylaxis were analyzed. ResultsA total of 662 patients who underwent BPD-DS were identified. The mean age was 44.7 ± 10.4 (20–72) years; 474 patients were female (71.7%), and the mean body mass index of the cohort was 50.5 ± 7.5 (34–98) kg/m2. Overall, 16 patients (2.4%) experienced VTE complication at 90-days follow-up post–BPD-DS with 100% follow-up rate; deep vein thrombosis was experienced by 10 patients (1.5%), and 6 patients (0.9%) experienced pulmonary embolism (1 patient experience both). None of those patients had a previous history of VTE. Only operative time (P value = .009) and length of stay (P value ≤ .001) were associated with VTE events. Other factors such as age, sex, body mass index, previous history of VTE, preoperative heparin injection, preoperative inferior vena cava filter insertion, intermittent compressive device use, interval heparin time, and postoperative chemical prophylaxis did not show a statistical association. A logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant increase of VTE outcome with length of stay; odds ratio of 1.161, (95% confidence interval, 1.048–1.285), P value = .004. ConclusionWith proper preoperative evaluation and aggressive VTE prophylaxis protocol, the risk of VTE post–BPD-DS is comparable to other bariatric procedures. Every effort should be adopted to shorten the length of stay, and thus reduce VTE risk.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: With or without Duodenal Switch? A Consecutive Series of 800 Cases

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was originally performed as the restrictive and acid-reducing part of a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). It is now recognized as a stand-alone procedure, but direct comparison between the two procedures is still lacking. The goal of this study is to compare the outcomes of the two procedures and their respective impact on obesity-related comorbidities. Methods: All patients who had a laparoscopic SG (n = 378) or a laparoscopic BPD-DS (n = 422) before 10/2011 were included in this study (n = 800). Data were obtained from our prospectively maintained electronic database and are reported as mean ± standard deviation comparing SG with BPD-DS patients. Results: SG patients were older (48 ± 11 vs. 40 ± 10 years, p < 0.001) with a higher prevalence of comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus in 51 vs. 37%; hypertension 62 vs. 49%; sleep apnea 63 vs. 51%; all p < 0.001). Initial BMI was 48 ± 9 vs. 48 ± 6 (p = 0.8). There was one 30-day mortality in the BPD-DS group, from a pulmonary embolism, for an overall mortality rate of 0.13%. Thirty-day complications occurred in 6 vs. 8% of patients (p = 0.2), including gastric leaks in 4 (1%) vs. 0 patients (p = 0.049). Mean follow-up was 29 ± 10 months. Excess weight loss was 45 ± 14 vs. 62 ± 15% at 6 months, 53 ± 18 vs. 81 ± 14% at 12 months, 53 ± 23 vs. 87 ± 15% at 18 months, 50 ± 19 vs. 86 ± 15% at 24 months and 51 ± 24 vs. 83 ± 16% at 36 months (p < 0.05 for all time points). The surgery induced the remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus in 56 vs. 90% of patients, hypertension in 54 vs. 76% and sleep apnea in 43 vs. 74% (all p < 0.05). In type 2 diabetic patients, fasting plasma glucose decreased by -1.9 mmol/l after SG vs. -2.9 mmol/l after BPD-DS (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin A1C by -1.1 vs. -1.9% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SG results in a significant 3-year weight loss and remission of comorbidities. BPD-DS provides further improvement of associated comorbidities and can be an option for the management of insufficient weight loss or residual comorbidities following SG.

Is laparoscopic single-stage biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch safe in super morbidly obese patients?

BackgroundIt has been hypothesized that the morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) are likely to increase with increasing body mass index (BMI), especially with BMI>50 kg/m2. Therefore, a 2-stage approach to this procedure has been advocated in super morbidly obese patients. The authors hypothesized that a BMI≥50 kg/m2 does not significantly influence the morbidity and mortality perioperatively associated with this procedure. MethodsA retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS between January 2009 and September 2011 was performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with BMI<50 kg/m2 and those with BMI>50 kg/m2. Patient characteristics, perioperative variables, 30-day outcomes, and complications were analyzed and compared. ResultsA total of 226 patients underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS. Mean patient age was 44.9 years (range: 20–72 yr). Male to female ratio was 59 to 170 patients (75% versus 25%), respectively. Mean BMI was 50.2 kg/m2 (range: 37.2–68.8 kg/m2). A total of 127 patients had a BMI<50 kg/m2 (Group 1), and 99 patients had a BMI≥50 kg/m2 (Group 2). The length of procedure in Groups 1 and 2 was 296 minutes and 287 minutes, respectively (P = .25). The rate of conversion to open BPD-DS was 1.5% in Group 1 and 3% in Group 2 (P = .65). Two leaks occurred in Group 1; no patient in Group 2 developed this complication. One patient in Group 2 developed pulmonary embolism. The rates of all other complications resulting in a longer length of stay were 11% in Group 1 and 8% in Group 2 (P = .50). The 30-day reoperation rate was 3% in Group 1 and 1% in Group 2 (P = .39). The mean length of stay was 3.97 days for Group 1 and 3.67 days for Group 2 (P = .34). No mortality occurred in this series. ConclusionIn the present study, BMI≥50 kg/m2 did not increase intraoperative or postoperative complications at 30 days after laparoscopic PBD-DS. No significant differences were noted between patients with BMI≥50 kg/m2 and patients with BMI<50 kg/m2. A single-stage laparoscopic BPD-DS procedure can be safely offered to the super morbidly obese patients.

Venous thromboembolism after laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: Analysis of 362 patients

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE), which manifests as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), is relatively uncommon after weight loss procedures but has the strong potential to affect patient morbidity and mortality. This type of complication has been studied extensively in more common weight loss procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). VTE has not been studied after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS), a bariatric procedure performed mainly for super morbidly obese patients, who are inherently associated with a higher incidence of co-morbidity. The objective of this study was to review VTE prevalence and identify risk factors associated with the postoperative occurrence of VTE in a collected data set of patients after laparoscopic BPD-DS. MethodsThe database of all patients who underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS between 2006 and 2012 was reviewed. Preoperative clinical information, which included history of VTE, inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, operative variables, and postoperative course, were reviewed. All VTE related events that occurred within 90 days postoperatively were collected and analyzed. ResultsOf 362 patients who underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS during the study period, 12 (3.3%) experienced a VTE complication. Eight (2.2%) patients presented with DVT; 4 (1.1%) patients presented with PE. VTE complications were more common in females than males (83.3% versus 16.6%, respectively). Age, body mass index (BMI), and time interval between preoperative and postoperative doses of heparin for DVT prophylaxis did not influence the occurrence of VTE complications. However, operative time (P = .02) and length of hospital stay (P = .0005) were identified as risk factors associated with postoperative VTE complications. No related mortality occurred in this study. ConclusionThe prevalence of VTE after BPD-DS is relatively low and comparable to other weight loss procedures. Overall risk of postoperative VTE after laparoscopic BPD-DS appears to be associated with the length of operation and hospital stay.

Five-year follow-up after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Background Only limited data are available for assessing the medium and long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery. We report our own long-term results after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). Methods The data from 51 patients with a theoretical ≥5-year follow-up were reviewed after BPD-DS performed from February 2002 to October 2004. The patients were assessed every 3 months during their first postoperative year, every 6 months during the second year, and annually thereafter. Results The preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 47 ± 6.1 kg/m 2. The first 23 patients had undergone open BPD-DS. The same procedure was used (150-mL sleeve, 150-cm alimentary limb, and 100-cm common channel) for the 28 laparoscopic BPD-DS procedures, although 15 patients underwent conversion to laparotomy at the beginning of our experience. No patients died postoperatively. Of the 51 patients, 7 were not available for follow-up: 2 patients had died 9 months after BPD-DS (1 of myocardial infarction and 1 after ventral hernia repair), 1 underwent reversal, 1 refused follow-up after a complicated postoperative course, and contact was lost with 3 patients (7.8% lost to follow-up). The 5-year BMI was 31 ± 4.5 kg/m 2, with a mean excess weight loss of 71.9% ± 20.6%. Of the 44 patients, 7 (15.9%) had an excess weight loss of <50%; 4 of these unsatisfactory results occurred after revision BPD-DS. After primary BPD-DS, excess weight loss of 75.8% ± 18.0% was observed. Biologic data were obtained for 85% of the patients at 5 years. The main vitamin and micronutrients parameters remained stable over time. However, a trend was seen toward an increase in the parathormone levels and difficulties in maintaining a normal vitamin D level despite updated vitamin supplementation. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that BPD-DS achieves sustainable significant weight loss with >5 years of follow-up, with unsatisfactory results in <20% of cases. Although not statistically significant, revision surgery more often resulted in lesser weight loss, although this difference had almost vanished when the initial BMI was taken as a reference compared with the BMI before BPD-DS.

Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (First Stage of Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch) on Co-Morbidities in Super-Obese High-Risk Patients

We evaluated laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on major co-morbidities (hypertension, type 2 diabetes / impaired glucose tolerance, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) operative risk score in high-risk super-obese patients undergoing two-stage laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD-DS). 41 super-obese high-risk patients (mean BMI 57.3+/-6.5 kg/m(2), age 44.6+/-9.7 years) were entered into a prospective study (BMI > or = 60, or BMI > or = 50 with at least two severe co-morbidities, no Prader-Willi syndrome, no conversion, minimum follow-up 12 months). 9 patients had BMI > or = 60. 17 patients (41.4%) had OSAS on C-PAP therapy. In 10 patients, at least one intragastric balloon had been positioned and 4 had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, all with unsatisfactory results. At surgery, 41.5% were classified ASA 4 and 58.5% as ASA 3 (mean ASA score 3.4+/-0.5). Patients underwent evaluation every 3 months postoperatively and were restaged at 12 months and/or before the second step. 60% of major co-morbidities were cured and 24% improved. Average BMI after 6 and 12 months was 44.5+/-8.1 and 40.8+/-8.5 respectively (mean follow-up 22.2+/-7.1 months). After 12 months, 57.8% of the patients were co-morbidity-free and 31.5% had only one major co-morbid condition. At restaging, 20% of patients were still classified as ASA score 4 (OSAS on C-PAP therapy). 3 patients showed BMI <30 and were co-morbidity-free 12 months after LSG. LSG represents a safe and effective procedure to achieve marked weight loss as well as significant reduction of major obesity-related co-morbidities. The procedure reduced the operative risk (ASA score) in super-obese patients undergoing two-stage LBPD-DS.

Laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD-DS): How long is the learning curve?

Purpose: The laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD-DS) is one of the most complex procedures for morbid obesity. Despite a small experience with open surgery (BPD-DS), a move to a totally laparoscopic approach was decided to minimize wound complications.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch: A Comparative Study

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a well-known emerging open procedure that appears to be as effective as other bariatric operations and has been shown to provide excellent long-term weight loss. Therefore we looked at the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic BPD-DS procedure compared to open BPD-DS in superobese patients (body mass index >60). A retrospective study of 54 superobese patients (body mass index >60) was carried out from July 1999 to June 2001: laparoscopic BPD-DS in 26 patients and open BPD-DS in 28 patients. Median preoperative body weight was 189.8 kg (range 155.1 to 271.2 kg) in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and 196.5 kg (range 160.3 to 298.9 kg) in the open BPD-DS group. Median body mass index was 66.9 kg/m 2 in the laparoscopic group and 68.9 kg/m 2 in the open group. The two groups were compared by means of the unpaired t test, which yielded the following results: Major morbidity occurred in six patients (23%) in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and in five patients (17%) in the open BPD-DS group ( P = 0.63). There were two deaths in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group (7.6% mortality) and one death (3.5% mortality) in the open BPD-DS group ( P = 0.51). Preoperative comorbidity was improved in eight patients in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and two patients in the open BPD-DS group ( P < 0.02). Laparoscopic BPD-DS is a technically feasible procedure that results in effective weight loss similar to the open procedure. However, both open and laparoscopic BPD-DS procedures are associated with appreciable morbidity and mortality in the superobese population. Additional studies are needed to determine the best surgical treatment for superobesity. ( J Gastrointest Surg 2003;7:552–557.)

Early experience with computer-mediated flexible circular stapling technique for upper gastrointestinal anastomosis.

Creating the proximal anastomosis in laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD-DS) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is a critical step in ensuring the success of the procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of performing this anastomosis using a flexible, computerized, circular stapling device. We prospectively monitored the use of a newly FDA-approved stapling device (SurgASSIST, Power Medical Intervention) for the construction of the proximal anastomosis by a variety of approaches and reviewed the charts of 10 patients. We successfully constructed 9 out of 10 proximal anastomoses: 2 gastro-jejunostomies and 7 duodeno-ileostomies, without any signs of leakage. In 2 patients, the stapling technique involved a transpyloric instrumental passage; both were complicated by the difficulty to pass either the flexible scope or the anvil through the narrow pyloric lumen. In 5 patients, the anvil was placed directly through a duodenotomy and no technical problems were encountered. The median time for performing the proximal anastomosis was 19 minutes (range 9-55). There were no postoperative complications in any patients. Stapling using the SurgASSIST was feasible and safe for performing laparoscopic anastomoses in bariatric bypass procedures. A duodenotomy for direct placement of the anvil into the postpyloric region seems to be most feasible for duodenoileostomies, while transoral passage of the anvil can be recommended for gastro-jejunostomies. In its current form, we do not recommend transoral placement of the flexible shaft of the SurgASSIST device. Further clinical trials need to be performed for comparison with existing devices.

Early results of laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: a case series of 40 consecutive patients.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is an operation which provides one of the greatest maintained weight losses of any bariatric procedure. We looked at the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic BPD-DS for morbid obesity. A 150-200 ml sleeve gastrectomy was created and anastomosed to the distal 250 cm of divided ileum. The median length of the common channel was 100 cm. All patients were prospectively followed up to 12 months. 40 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic BPD-DS as a primary procedure for morbid obesity. Median patient body mass index (BMI) was 60 kg/m2 (range 42-85 kg/m2). Mean age was 43 +/- 1 years (+/- SEM), with 12 males and 28 females. One patient was converted to open laparotomy (2.5%). Median operative time was 210 +/- 9 minutes (range 110-360 minutes) with a significant correlation between BMI and operative time (p = 0.04). Median length of stay was 4 days (range 3-210 days). There was one 30-day mortality (2.5%). Major morbidities occurred in 6 patients (15%), including 1 anastomotic leak (2.5%), 1 venous thrombosis (2.5%), 4 staple-line hemorrhages (10%) and 1 subphrenic abscess (2.5%). Median follow-up at 6 months (range 1-12 months) resulted in 46% +/- 2% excess weight loss (EWL) and at 9 months 58% +/- 3% EWL. Laparoscopic BPD-DS is a complex, yet feasible, procedure resulting in effective weight loss with an acceptable morbidity. A BMI >65 was associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A long-term study is needed to confirm efficacy and proper patient selection.