Laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion for the treatment of morbid obesity: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Open biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is a proven effective operation for morbid obesity. We developed a technique which permits BPD to be performed laparoscopically. METHODS: 10 patients were submitted to BPD by laparoscopy in July and August 2000 for the treatment of morbid obesity. All patients were morbidly obese (BMI 40-55). RESULTS: All operations were performed by laparoscopy with no need to convert to laparotomy. No complications related to surgery were observed. CONCLUSION: The technique, with an acceptable level of complexity, can be safely executed by laparoscopy as described by Scopinaro.