Common channel length predicts outcomes of biliopancreatic diversion alone and with the duodenal switch surgery.

BACKGROUND The optimal common channel (CC) length for malabsorptive weight loss surgeries is unknown even though these surgeries were developed in the 1970s (biliopancreatic diversion [BPD]) and the 1990s (biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch [BPD DS]). We hypothesized that the length of the CC correlates with a successful weight loss result. METHODS We evaluated 3 groups of patients based on the length of the CC whose duration of follow-up evaluation was at least 1 year. We reviewed all patients who had either an open BPD (5 patients) or a BPD DS (119 patients) from August 1998 to October 2003, for which D.B.M. was the participating surgeon. RESULTS Group I comprised 15 patients: their preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 53.9 kg/m(2); 73.3% of patients had a BMI more than 50, and the CC length was 150 cm. Group II comprised 76 patients: their preoperative BMI was 54.25 kg/m(2); 73.3% of patients had a BMI more than 50, and the CC length was 100 cm. Group III comprised 33 patients: their preoperative BMI was 60.1 kg/m(2); 84% of patients had a BMI more than 50, and the CC length was 80 to 90 cm. The mean weight loss in group I was 45 kg (44% mean excess weight loss). The mean weight loss in groups II and III was 55.8 and 61.5 kg, respectively (a 57% and 54.8% mean excess weight loss, respectively) (all P < .05 by analysis of variance). A weight loss of greater than 50% of excess body weight occurred in 40% of patients in group I versus 63% of patients in groups II and III combined (P < .01 by chi(2)). CONCLUSIONS The length of the CC contributes significantly to successful excess weight loss in BPD and BPD DS patients. In general, the length of the CC should not exceed 100 cm.