Preliminary results of the duodenal switch

Background: The duodenal switch (DS), as a modification of the bilio-pancreatic diversion (BFD), Is a 'complex' hybrid operation. Methods: Sixty patients were operated on during the last 3 years, Results: Two, patients died early (3.3%); two Irate deaths occurred at 4 and 7 months, one due to liver failure and the other-due to malnutrition and refeeding syndrome (3.57%); three patients required conversions (5.3%), Vhe two early deaths and abl the patients who required conversions had a previous vertical banded gastroplasty. Eleven patients had mines liver abnormalities corrected with medications, and one patient had severe diarrhea for more than a year. Eleven female patients have iron deficiency anemia that requires parenteral supplementation, Mean percent excess weight loss was 86% at 2,5 years. Conclusions: The DS has been, in our experience an unsafe operation with unacceptably high operative and postoperative mortality, The conversion rate is acceptable, Weight loss, quality of food intake and life have been excellent. Inadequate follow-up can he dangerous if patients fail to report for regular visits.