Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery
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Surg Obes Relat Dis · Mar 2005
Evaluation of the learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
The literature reports that the learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is approximately 75-100 cases. This aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of shortening the learning curve for performing LRYGBP by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. ⋯ A bariatric surgical practice incorporating LRYGBP can be safely done by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. With appropriate advanced laparoscopic skills, preparatory steps, proctorship, and adequate volume of cases, the learning curve for performing LRYGBP can be reduced to 50 cases. Further experience is associated with a significant reduction in operative time with acceptable mortality, complication, and conversion rates.