BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of biliary-intestinal bypass in severely obese subjects (Body Mass Index > 35). METHODS: From January to December 1999, 23 patients (8 men and 15 women, mean age 36.6 years: range 20-51) affected with primary morbid obesity (BMI >40: range 40.1-64.7), in whom different attempt using conservative medicine have proved non-resolutive, underwent biliary-intestinal bypass. After the operation all the patients have been followed- up for 12 months. RESULTS: The mean Body Mass Index was reduced to 36.9 (range 27.7-44.1) after 6 months and to 33 (range 24.9-40.1) after 12 months. Peri and postoperative mortality was zero. Excessive malabsorption was efficaciously controlled by adequate replacement therapy. Diarrhoea, common compliance of every operation inducin malabsorbition, was reduced to 2-3 evacuation a day after 2-3 months. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of personal experience it is underlined that biliary-intestinal bypass, as surgical treatment of morbid obesity refractory to medical therapy, is today a safe and effective operation (up to 80% of excess body weight lose); the presence of biliary-intestinal anastomosis reduces the post-operative loss of bile acids, choleretic diarrhoea and electrolytic disorders.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of biliary-intestinal bypass in severely obese subjects (Body Mass Index > 35). METHODS: From January to December 1999, 23 patients (8 men and 15 women, mean age 36.6 years: range 20-51) affected with primary morbid obesity (BMI >40: range 40.1-64.7), in whom different attempt using conservative medicine have proved non-resolutive, underwent biliary-intestinal bypass. After the operation all the patients have been followed- up for 12 months. RESULTS: The mean Body Mass Index was reduced to 36.9 (range 27.7-44.1) after 6 months and to 33 (range 24.9-40.1) after 12 months. Peri and postoperative mortality was zero. Excessive malabsorption was efficaciously controlled by adequate replacement therapy. Diarrhoea, common compliance of every operation inducin malabsorbition, was reduced to 2-3 evacuation a day after 2-3 months. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of personal experience it is underlined that biliary-intestinal bypass, as surgical treatment of morbid obesity refractory to medical therapy, is today a safe and effective operation (up to 80% of excess body weight lose); the presence of biliary-intestinal anastomosis reduces the post-operative loss of bile acids, choleretic diarrhoea and electrolytic disorders.