Long-term results of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: 105 patients with minimum follow-up of 15 years

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the second most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide; however, long-term results are not frequently reported. Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of LRYGB on weight loss and co-morbidities in a single center 15 years after the operation. Setting: Tertiary-care referral hospital. Methods: From February 2000 to December 2003, 105 patients (86 women; mean age 39.9 ± 17.4; mean body mass index [BMI] 47.2 ± 6.4 kg/m2; 78 with BMI < 50 kg/m2 and 27 with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) underwent LRYGB. Retrospective analyses of a prospectively maintained database were carried out to evaluate weight loss; resolution of co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), hypertension (HTN), and dyslipidemia; complications; and nutritional status. Results: The follow-up rate at 15 years was 87.6%. Mean excess weight loss was 58.6 ± 27%, with 74.1% of patients achieving a total weight loss ≥ 20%. According to the Biron et al. criteria, an inadequate outcome was found in 11/21 (52.4%) of patients with an initial BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 versus 21/64 (32.8%) of patients with a preoperative BMI < 50 kg/m2 (P = .001). Both groups experienced gradual weight regain (WR); specifically, 34.1% of patients regained more than 15% of their lowest postoperative weight. The rates of reoperations due to early and late surgical complications were 3.8% and 9.5%, respectively. T2D was resolved in 50% of patients, HTN in 61.1%, and dyslipidemia in 58.3%. Iron deficiency anemia (53%) was the most common postoperative nutritional finding. Conclusion: LRYGB provides satisfactory weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities up to 15 years. WR was a common finding. A significant proportion of patients with a preoperative BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 did not achieve a favorable weight loss outcome. Indications to perform LRYGB in this group of patients should be definitively reconsidered.