BACKGROUND: In June 1993, the authors started performing the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) via laparoscopy. METHODS: Since June 1993, 25 patients have undergone laparoscopic VBG. RESULTS: Weight loss did not differ from the traditional open VBG. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic procedure, which can be performed simply, permits minimal trauma compared to the traditional open operation, with a reduction in hospitalization and in short-term as well as long-term complications.
BACKGROUND: In June 1993, the authors started performing the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) via laparoscopy. METHODS: Since June 1993, 25 patients have undergone laparoscopic VBG. RESULTS:Weight loss did not differ from the traditional open VBG. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic procedure, which can be performed simply, permits minimal trauma compared to the traditional open operation, with a reduction in hospitalization and in short-term as well as long-term complications.