Laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty: Early results with the JOVO procedure

Background: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is an established treatment for morbid obesity for selected patients. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of a laparoscopic version, the JOVO procedure, of the VBG. Methods: An independent surgeon interviewed all patients, who had had the JOVO procedure at one institution, evaluating weight loss, comorbid conditions, satisfaction and quality of life using the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). Results: 14 JOVO procedures were done by two surgeons. Mean body mass index was 44 kg/m(2), mean age 30 years and each patient had at least one comorbid condition. Mean operative time was 165 minutes. There was 1 complication, a suspected gastric leak requiring reoperation. Excluding this patient, mean hospital stay was less than 48 hours. Mean weight loss 4 weeks after surgery was 9 kg or 18% of excess weight. Mean excess weight loss of the 5 patients available for 1-year follow-up was 42%a at 6 and 85% at 12 months; 1 did not continue to lose weight. All but 1 preoperative comorbid condition resolved or improved. 13 of the 14 patients were fully satisfied. SF-36 scores were high in the 13 that lost weight, especially in physical and social functioning areas. Conclusion: The JOVO procedure is safe and reproduces laparoscopically the early weight loss of open VBG with much shorter hospital stay and low complication and failure rates. Longer follow-up and larger numbers are needed.