Objective Comparison of Complications Resulting from Laparoscopic Bariatric Procedures

BackgroundSeveral surgical treatment options for morbid obesity exist. Currently, there are no studies that objectively compare complication rates after laparoscopic bariatric operations performed at a single institution. We objectively classify and compare complications resulting from laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LABG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with duodenal switch (DS).Study designA retrospective review of a prospective database of all patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric operation was performed. Complications were categorized according to severity score using a well-described classification system and compared between procedures.ResultsFrom September 2000 to July 2003, 780 laparoscopic bariatric operations were performed: 480 LAGB, 235 RYGB, and 65 BPD±DS. There was one late death. Total complication rates were: 9% for LAGB, 23% for RYGB, and 25% for BPD±DS. Complications resulting in organ resection, irreversible deficits, and death (grades III and IV) occurred at rates of 0.2% for LAGB, 2% for RYGB, and 5% for BPD±DS. LAGB group had a statistically significant lower overall complication rate, both by incidence and severity, as compared with other groups (p < 0.001). After controlling for differences of admission body mass index, gender, and race, the LAGB group had an almost three and a half times lower likelihood of a complication compared with the RYGB group (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.2−5.3, p < 0.001) and had an over three and a half times lower likelihood of a complication compared with the BPD with DS group (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.8−7.1, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between complication rates of RYGB and BPD±DS.ConclusionsBariatric operation complication rates range from 9% to 25%; very few complications are serious. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is the safest operation in terms of complication rate and severity when compared with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic malabsorptive operations.