Background: Gastric restrictive procedures currently performed for morbidly obese patients include either gastric resection by Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or by implanted device (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding). We present our early experience of a feasibility study using Laparoscopic Gastric Greater Curvature Plication (LGGCP) for weight loss instead of stapling or banding.
Methods: After approval of the Ethical Committee of Alexandria University Hospital, and taking an informed consent from our patients, we performed LGGCP in 68 patients. After mobilization of the greater curvature, it was folded inwards by two layers of non-absorbable sutures.
Results: Our average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 42 kg fm2, mean operative time 111 minutes. There was no conversion to laparotomy. The mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) at 10 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 10%, 16%, 25%, 35%, and
56% respectively. No intra-operative complications, no mortality, 5.8% major complications in the form of one case of fundic herniation that required laparoscopic partial gastrectomy, and 3 cases of obstructed pouch, one required undo-plication, the other one was relieved by medical treatment, and the last one improved by upper endoscopic dilatation.
Conclusion: Our early experience has suggested that LGGCP is a successful way to reduce the stomach capacity, and an acceptable early weight loss. LGGCP is safe and feasible but it is not without complications. Prospective randomized study between LGGCP and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is needed.