Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: does bougie size affect the outcome?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming the most popular bariatric procedure. However, no standardized technique is followed by all surgeons. especially the bougie size used when creating the sleeve. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the outcome of two different bougie sizes: 30 and 40 French) used during LSG.METHODS: We evaluated 426 patients who underwent LSG throughout the 2-year period. Group A (N.=210) used 30 Fr bougie size, while group B (N.=216) used 40 Fr bougie size.RESULTS: The mean age was (40±9.6) and 41±7.8), and Body Mass Index (BMI) was (43.2±4.7 and 42.5±5.2 kg/m2) for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant difference). The incidence of leakage, bleeding twist, vomiting, and reflux was comparable in both groups, with no significant difference. The excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) was significantly higher in group A compared to group B, at 2-year follow-up (72.7±2.9 vs. 70.3±3.7%; P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in resolution or improvement of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.CONCLUSIONS: Our results concluded that a 30-Fr or 40-Fr bougie utilized during LSG does not significantly affect LSG complication rate, resolution, or improvement of comorbidities. The EWL% was significantly higher in patients who received 30 Fr bougie compared to patients who had 40 Fr at one and 2-year follow-up. A randomized control trial and further long-term data are recommended to ascertain this conclusion.