The learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is 100 cases

P. Schauer, S. Ikramuddin, G. Hamad, W. Gourash

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

407 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of operative experience on perioperative outcomes for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGB). Methods: Between July 1997 and September 2001, 750 patients underwent LGB for the treatment of morbid obesity at our center. We evaluated the perioperative outcomes of the first 150 consecutive patients to determine if a learning curve effect could be demonstrated. The patients were divided into three groups (1, 2, and 3) of 50 consecutive patients, and outcomes for each group were compared. Results: The patients in group 3 had a larger body mass index (BMI), were more likely to have had prior abdominal surgery, and were more likely to have secondary operations at the time of LGB. Operating time decreased from a mean of 311 min in group 11 to 237 min in group 3, and technical complications were reduced by 50% after an experience of 100 cases. Conclusions: Operative time and technically related complications decreased with operative experience even though heavier patients and higher-risk patients were more predominant in the latter part of our experience. LGB is a technically challenging operation with a long learning curve. To minimize morbidity related to the learning curve, strategies for developing training programs must address these challenges.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)212-215
Number of pages4
JournalSurgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2003

Keywords

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Complications
  • Laparoscopic skills
  • Learning curve
  • Obesity

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