Aim: Aim of our study was the evaluation of Italian experience with bilio-intestinal bypass in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.
Materials and methods: 1030 patients; mean age 36.1 years; preoperative mean weight Kg 136.7; mean preoperative BMI 48.9 kg/m2; mean follow-up 68 years (1-28). 838 patients underwent open and 192 laparoscopic bilio-intestinal bypass. The laparoscopy operation was performed with five lap ports. Section of the jejunum 30 cm from the Treitz was made by linear stapler. The cholecysto-jejunal anastomosis was completed with 45 mm linear stapler. A side-to-side anastomosis between the proximal jejunum and the last 12-18 cm of the ileum was created by firing a 60 mm linear stapler.
Results: Weight loss was satisfactory in 93% of operated patients. Comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea syndrome) solved in majority of the patients. The main late complications were incisional hernia in open technique and oxalic nephrolithiasis. The reversal rate was 2.5%.
Conclusion: Our experience showed that bilio-intestinal bypass can obtain good results. Using laparoscopic technique it is possible to reduce pain, in-hospital time, respiratory and thromboembolic complications, convalescence and incisional hernia.