Background: laparoscopic techniques are being developed for bariatric surgery. Methods: eleven morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty in 1993-1994. Results: average length of hospital stay was 3.9 days, mean operating time was 202 min, and the average hospital charges were $12 800. These numbers were compared to the most recent open gastric bypass patients, where average length of stay was 7.4 days, mean operating time was 105 min, and the average hospital charges were $9800 (adjusted value of $16 700). There were no post-operative complications in the laparoscopically-performed VBG patients. Conclusion: laparoscopic VBG is feasible and cost-saving. Weight loss and long term results await ongoing follow-up.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chua, T.Y., Mendiola, R.M. Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty: The Milwaukee Experience. OBES SURG 5, 77–80 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1381/096089295765558222
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1381/096089295765558222