Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients: a Retrospective Comparison

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are performed in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to evaluate retrospectively the clinical efficacy of RYGB and SG in two groups of obese T2DM patients. Methods From the hospital database, we extracted the clinical records of 31 obese T2DM patients, of whom 15 (7 F/8 M) had undergone laparoscopic SG (LSG) and 16 (7 F/9 M) laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB) in the period 2005–2008. The groups were comparable for age (range 33–59 years) and BMI (range 38–57 kg/m 2 ). LRYGB alimentary limb was 150 cm, and biliopancreatic limb was 150 cm from the Treitz ligament. LSG vertical transection was calibrated on a 40-Fr orogastric bougie. Data were analysed at 6, 12 and 18–24 months with reference to weight loss and remission of comorbidities. Results The reduction in body weight was comparable in the two groups. At 18–24 months the percent BMI reduction was 29 ± 8 and 33 ± 11 % in LSG and LRYGB, respectively. Percent excess weight loss was 53 ± 16 and 52 ± 19 % in LSG and LRYGB, respectively. Thirteen patients in LSG and 14 patients in LRYGB discontinued their hypoglycaemic medications. Five (55 %) patients in LSG and eight (89 %) in LRYGB discontinued antihypertensive drugs. Three out of five patients in LSG and one out of two patients in LRYGB withdrew lipid-lowering agents. Conclusions LSG and LRYGB are equally effective in terms of weight loss and remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Controlled long-term comparisons are needed to establish the optimal procedure in relation to patients’ characteristics.