Simplified Technique for Performing Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Study Summary

This study will include all eligible patients who have undergone or who will undergo a laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure at Madigan Army Medical Center using a specific surgical technique developed by the Principal Investigator. Traditionally, our surgeons have used a standardized technique that included use of a circular stapler to perform the anastomosis of the stomach pouch to the small bowel. The Principal Investigator developed a new technique with multiple modifications of the previous technique, including use of a totally linear stapled anastomosis. These techniques will be labeled OLD and NEW for the remainder of this document. The NEW technique was first utilized in May 2008 and has now been widely adopted by the majority of bariatric surgeons at Madigan Army Medical Center. This study will include both a retrospective review of all patients who have undergone this procedure, as well as a prospective observational study of all future patients undergoing this procedure. At this time, approximately 75 patients have undergone this procedure and will all be included in the retrospective review. The investigators estimate that 150 to 200 of these procedures will be performed at Madigan per year over the next 2 years, and will be included in the prospective observational arm of the study. The investigators anticipate a total sample number of 400 patients if the investigators collect data for the next two years. Hypothesis: The NEW technique of gastric bypass allows for safe and rapid performance of a laparoscopic gastric bypass. The NEW technique will result in shorter operative times compared to the OLD technique, and no significant difference in postoperative complications.