OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic truncal vagotomy in morbidly obese men and women with BMI 35-45.
METHODS: This is an open-label, prospective, dual-center study of 30 obese patients undergoing laparoscopic truncal vagotomy and followed every 3 months for 18 months. The primary safety variable is the overall incidence of adverse events. The primary efficacy variable is the percent excess weight loss (%EWL). Responders are defined as subjects who have lost weight, maintained over 18 months. Sections of posterior and anterior vagus trunks were resected and removed for pathologic review, and additional fibers were divided. Intraoperative gastroscopy with Congo Red testing was done to verify completeness.
RESULTS: 30 patients (26 women) with, mean pre-operative BMI 41 kg/m2 (range: 35-49), aged 41.5 years (range: 25-54) were operated since October 2005,with no operative complications. Adverse events include: dumping syndrome (n=3), wound infection (n=2), other (n=5), and diarrhea (n=6). One case of diarrhea was due to bacterial infection unrelated to the treatment. The mean follow up at 12 months is 73%. Weight loss efficacy variables are presented for available data at 12 months on 16 patients.
CONCLUSION: These preliminary results indicate that laparoscopic truncal vagotomy is safe and may be an effective treatment for obesity.
Session: Podium Presentation
Program Number: S012