Laparoscopic greater curve plication in Asia: initial experience.

Mui, Wilfred Lik-Man; Lee, Danny Wai-Hung; Lam, Katherine Kar-Yee; Tsung, Bonnie Yuk San

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic greater curve plication (LGCP) for the treatment of obesity in ethnic Chinese in Hong Kong. METHODS Twenty-seven consecutive Chinese patients (23 females; mean age 37.6 ± 8.9 years) received LGCP for the treatment of obesity from September 2010 to December 2011. Mean baseline body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were 84.6 ± 17.5 kg and 31.2 ± 4.7 kg/m(2), respectively. RESULTS All procedures were performed laparoscopically with conversion to open surgery in one patient. There was neither mortality nor any postoperative complications. Mean follow-up was 10.6 ± 6.5 months. Mean procedure time was 117.9 ± 22.3 min and mean hospital stay was 2.6 ± 0.7 days. Mean BMI loss was 4.1 ± 1.6, 4.8 ± 2.0 and 5.2 ± 2.5 kg/m(2) at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean % EBL was 67.3 ± 42.1, 66.4 ± 35.9 and 60.2 ± 25.5 % at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean % EBL in BMI >35 group (n = 7) was 38.2 ± 11.1, 43.5 ± 14.0 and 50.6 ± 21.6 % at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean % EBL in BMI <35 group (n = 20) was 76.5 ± 44.2, 76.5 ± 38.2 and 65.0 ± 27.0 % at 3, 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS LGCP is safe and effective in achieving significant weight loss in obese ethnic Chinese patients. However, weight loss in BMI <35 is more pronounced. It is a very valid alternative to other procedures in Asian population.