Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is as safe as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Results of a comparative cohort study.

backgroundA meta-analysis and six randomized controlled trials show higher 30-day complication rates with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) than with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

aimTo identify any difference in 30-day outcomes of patients treated with LRYGB or LSG when a standardized technique and identical post-operative protocol was followed with all procedures being conducted either by or under the supervision of a single consultant surgeon who had significant experience in bariatric surgery prior to commencing independent practice.

methodsA prospectively collected database of all patients under primary LRYGB or LSG, between March 2010 and February 2017, was analyzed. Data on demographics, length-of-stay (LOS), conversion to open, 30-day complications and mortality were reviewed.

resultsOver a seven-year period, 485 patients (LRYGB-279 and LSG-206) were included. There were no significant demographic differences and no difference in the pre-operative risk scoring [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and obesity surgery mortality risk score (OSMRS)] between the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of LOS (p = 0.275), complications (p = 0.920), re-admissions (p = 0.593) or re-operations (p = 0.366) within 30-days. There were no conversions to open or in-patient mortality in either group.

conclusionsUnlike previous studies, we found no difference in early complication rates between LRYGB and LSG in a comparable cohort when performed by a surgeon with sufficient experience in bariatric surgery.