One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass with a Biliopancreatic Limb of 150 cm. Weight Loss, Nutritional Outcomes, Endoscopic Results, and Quality of Life at 8-Year Follow-Up

Purpose: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is now recognized as a mainstream bariatric procedure, nonetheless concerns about the risk of nutritional deficiencies and biliary reflux persist, and the ideal length of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) is debated. Materials and Methods: Data of patients who underwent OAGB between May 2010 and December 2010 were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. At an 8-year follow-up, a complete evaluation included clinical examination, blood tests, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and quality of life (QoL) assessed through the BAROS score. Results: Overall, 115 patients underwent OAGB with a BPL of 150 cm. Thirty-six (31%) were lost at the 8-year follow-up. Mean preoperative weight was 117 ± 20.8 kg and mean BMI 43.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2. At 8 years, weight was 76.5 ± 17.3 kg, BMI 28.3 ± 5.8, %TWL 34.8 ± 10.7, and %EWL 84.8 ± 27.1. No patients were readmitted for nutritional complications or underwent revisional surgery for malnutrition; 6 patients were converted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for intractable reflux. High rates of vitamin D and A deficiencies and secondary hyperparathyroidism were found at 8 years. The BAROS score was > 3 at 8 years for 93% of patients. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was available for 46 patients and found esophagitis in 6.5% of cases but no cases of Barrett’s esophagus. Conclusion: OAGB performed with a 150-cm BPL is an effective bariatric procedure, associated with good long-term outcomes in relation to weight loss, QoL, resolution of comorbidities, and a very low rate of protein-calorie malnutrition. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies represent the main long-term concern. Endoscopic findings at 8 years are reassuring.