Silastic ring vertical gastroplasty - Long-term results and complications

Background: Silicone ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) in some reports is associated with significant morbidity and a tendency to regain weight in the late postoperative period. The present study aims to evaluate our long-term results, along with early and late postoperative complications. Methods: The early and late postoperative complications of 300 patients undergoing SRVG and followed for an average of 3.2 years, were reviewed retrospectively. The pre- and post-operative weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded in a subgroup of 131 patients with an average follow-up of 5.2 years. Results: Early postoperative complications occurred in 99 patients (33.1%), with mortality of one patient (0.3%). Vomiting was the most common late complication, occurring in 49.3%. Re-operation was performed in 19.7% of the patients, mostly for the repair of postoperative ventral hernia. Long-term results following SRVG showed a decrease in weight from 131 +/- 25 kg to 94 +/- 23.2 kg, and BMI decreased from 46.1 +/- 8.1 kg /m(2) to 32.9 +/- 7.4 kg/m(2). Excess body weight loss was 58.5 +/- 39.8%. Conclusions: Most patients (76%) reported their satisfaction following SRVG. Long-term results revealed a significant and sustained weight loss, mild complications and low mortality rate.