BACKGROUBD: Vertical Banded Gastroplasty can be performed open (OVBG) or laparoscopic (LVBG).The aim of the study was to compare the postoperative outcome and one year follow-up of 2 cohorts of patients who underwent either OVBG or LVBG in a 1-year period. Patients and
METHODS: A total of 30 patients with morbid obesity were randomized into two groups: OVBG(14) and LVBG(16). Patients received a standard anesthetic technique and a fixed dose of pain medication after surgery. Extra doses of analgesics were adnministered as needed. Pain intensity was evaluated four times a day. Respiratory function tests and a previously validated questionnaire to assess physical activity were performed before surgery and daily during the three initial postoperative days. Both, patients and the observer were blind to the procedure during this time period. Early and late complications, 1-year weight loss, cosmetic results and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. Results were analized using the Fisher's exact test, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Pearson Chi square.
RESULTS: Both groups were highly comparable in terms of demographic characteristics and overweight before surgery. Statistically significant differences between groups are showed in the table. One-year median excess body weight loss was 55%(range 30-88)in the OVBG group and 47%(range 22-97)in the LVBG group.
CONCLUSIONS: LVBG had advantages over the OVBG in terms of analgesic requirements, respiratory function, postoperative recovery and cosmetic
RESULTS: One-year weight loss was similar in both groups.
Items OVBG LVBG p
Operative time, hs 1.45(1.1-2.5) 2.1(1.5-4) 0.002
Extra dose of analgesics,
1st postop day 2 (0-3) 1 (0-2) 0.04
Score of mobilization / activities
2nd postop day 20 / 18 20 / 21 0.003 / 0.005
3rd postop day 25 / 23 30 / 25 0.005 / 0.11
Inspiratory/Espiratory force
3rd postop day 50 / 54 60 / 65 0.04 / 0.08
Scar score 0-2 2 1 0.006
Pathologic scar,n 12 5 0.002
