PRELIMINARY-RESULTS OF THE DUODENAL SWITCH

Background: The duodenal switch (DS), as a modification of the bilio-p ancreatic diversion (BFD), Is a 'complex' hybrid operation. Methods: S ixty patients were operated on during the last 3 years, Results: Two, patients died early (3.3%); two Irate deaths occurred at 4 and 7 month s, one due to liver failure and the other-due to malnutrition and refe eding syndrome (3.57%); three patients required conversions (5.3%), Vh e two early deaths and abl the patients who required conversions had a previous vertical banded gastroplasty. Eleven patients had mines live r abnormalities corrected with medications, and one patient had severe diarrhea for more than a year. Eleven female patients have iron defic iency anemia that requires parenteral supplementation, Mean percent ex cess weight loss was 86% at 2,5 years. Conclusions: The DS has been, i n our experience an unsafe operation with unacceptably high operative and postoperative mortality, The conversion rate is acceptable, Weight loss, quality of food intake and life have been excellent. Inadequate follow-up can he dangerous if patients fail to report for regular vis its.