Twelve-Year Experience with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as a Conversional Procedure for Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: Are We on the Right Track?

Background Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) has high rates of long-term complications. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered optimal; however, there are limited data on the late results of these conversions. We aimed to analyze our single-center long-term outcomes of patients requiring conversional RYGB for a failed VBG. Methods The records of patients who underwent RYGB as a conversional procedure after VBG from November 2004 to December 2016 were reviewed. Follow-up data were obtained by direct telephone calls with patients, electronic files, and general practitioner reports. Characteristics, indications of conversion, long-term (> 30 days) morbidities, weight records, obesity-related comorbidities, and overall patient satisfaction were analyzed. Results Overall, 305 VBG patients (82% female) underwent conversional RYGB during the study period. The mean pre-RYGB body mass index (BMI) was 35.6 (23–66) kg/m 2 . Conversions were indicated in 61% of patients because of simultaneous VBG complications and weight regain. After a median follow-up of 74.3 (5–151) months, 225 (73.8%) patients agreed to participate. The mean BMI and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were 28.6 (18–45) kg/m 2 and 17.4%, respectively. Nearly all conversion indications were addressed effectively. Surgical reintervention was mandatory in 28 of 225 patients (12.4%) due to complications. Approximately 85% of patients reported complete remission of obesity-related comorbidities, and four-fifths were fully satisfied. Conclusion RYGB resolves VBG complications, improves quality of life, and results in prolonged stable weight loss. It has a key role in the management of obesity-related comorbidities and in expert hands is the preferred conversional procedure for patients with failed VBG.