ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Malabsorptive techniques, such as biliopancreatic diversion, described by Scopinaro, can cause disabling steatorrhea that affects patients' quality of life. Although it usually improves over time, a reduced group of patients can require treatment. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of bismuth subgallate on the quality of life (QoL) of patients undergoing Scopinaro's biliopancreatic diversion (SBPD) for morbid obesity. The study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria, Spain, a public hospital. METHODS: A prospective, observational study in clinical practice was performed to ascertain the effects of bismuth subgallate on QoL in a group of patients undergoing SBPD who reported disabling diarrhea and related odor. Patients received treatment with 2 courses of oral bismuth subgallate, 200 mg every 8 hours for 12 weeks, with a 4-week rest period. Pretreatment and posttreatment surveys were performed. The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire was used, which evaluates symptoms, physical status, emotional status, social performance, and treatment effects. RESULTS: Sixty patients--90% women--with a mean age of 45.6 years were included in the study, 65% of which had superobesity. GIQLI scores obtained at treatment completion were significantly higher--both overall and in the various domains--than those obtained before treatment onset (P<.01). When the morbid obesity and superobesity groups were analyzed separately, a significant increase in the scores for both patient groups was also observed (P< .01). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, treatment with bismuth subgallate resulted in a short-term improvement of QoL for patients undergoing SBPD.
