A two-consultant approach is a safe and efficient strategy to adopt during the learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: our results in the first 100 procedures

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) can be technically challenging. It is imperative that patient morbidity and mortality are minimized while teams are on the learning curve for this procedure. This retrospective study evaluated the peri-operative risk of LRYGBP utilizing a two-consultant surgeon approach in a newly established bariatric service. 100 consecutive patients undergoing LRYGBP were included. Two consultants participated in each procedure. Median operative duration was 113 minutes (range 80-240) and fell with increasing experience [127 minutes (range 90-240) in cases 1-50 and 105 minutes (range 80-210) in cases 51-100; P=0.009]. Multivariate analysis found operation time correlated only with number of procedures performed (P