ABSTRACT
Prevalence of obesity is increasing steadily. It exposes the patient to numerous complications and represents a serious public health issue. Various treatments were tried. Surgery is actually a credible alternative. Many techniques can be made by laparoscopic approach. To evaluate early and late results of laparoscopic treatment of morbid obesity by two techniques: gastric banding adjustable and gastric by-pass. From May 2001 to July 2007, 27 patients were laparoscopically operated on for severe obesity in our department. Twenty four patients were treated with a gastric banding and 3 patients with gastric bypass. The primary endpoint was: excessive weight loss [EWL], BMI variations and patients' satisfaction. The secondary endpoints were mortality, morbidity and conversion. The mean age was 36 years. There were 4 males and 23 females. The mean preoperative weight was 122, 4kg [range: 87-152] and the mean body mass index [BMI] was 42.5 kg/m2 [range 36,5 -52 kg/m2]. The mean hospital stay was 4.76 days [range: 3-8]. There were no postoperative deaths. Early complication was present in 3 patients. Late complications were present in one patient. No conversion to laparotomy was necessary. BMI decreased from 42.9 to 31 kg/m2 and EWL reached 43%.The results of our experience are encouraging with an acceptable complication rate and no death. Laparoscopic treatment can be done with good results