VERTICAL BANDED GASTROPLASTY - FIRST EXPERIENCE IN RUSSIA

Background: The first experience of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) in the Russian National Research Center of Surgery is presented. Meth ods: From November 1992 to October 1996, 24 morbidly obese patients (m ean body weight 147.7 kg, BMI 52.1 kg/m(2)) underwent VBG according to Mason. Results: The early complication rate was 20.8%. The mean exces s weight loss (EWL) after weight stabilization (first 12 patients) was 48.0% in the whole group and 53.9% (range 36.0-73.0%) in 10 patients without staple-line disruptions. Significant positive changes in obesi ty related diseases were noted. Nine of 23 patients presented with inc isional hernias some months after operation. Conclusion: The impressio n of VBG is favorable; however, gaining further experience with the st andard techniques and increasing the long-term results are necessary.