LATE-TERM RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR FORMA TION OF A SMALL STOMACH IN TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH EXTREME DEGREES OF ALIMENTARY-CONSTITUTIONAL OBESITY

The authors analyse experience in the treatment of 415 patients with e xtreme alimentary-constitutional obesity (ACO) by operation for format ion of a small stomach (FSS). Seventy-five patients were followed up a nd examined 3-5 years after the operation. FSS leads to stable and sig nificant loss of body weight. Its degree depends on the diameter of th e anastomosis between the proximal and distal parts of the stomach and the initial excess of body weight. The working capacity of the patien ts is restored in the late-term postoperative periods and diseases att endant to obesity disappear or take a milder course. The success of th e treatment is determined significantly by the correct choice of the p atients for surgery. Operations for FSS may be repeated for very stric t indications in specialized clinics experienced in the treatment of p atients with obesity.