Symmetric three-port laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a novel technique that is safe, effective, and feasible

PURPOSE: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been validated as a safe approach for bariatric surgery. However, as the utilization of SILS in bariatric surgery is still limited by its disadvantages, this study analyzes the outcomes of symmetric three-port laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (STLGB). METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent STLGB between January 2018 and February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively using an institutional database. The patients were divided into four groups according to their baseline body mass index (BMI). The primary endpoints were operative time, length of stay, complication rate, and weight loss 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: We analyzed the records of 101 patients who underwent STLGB. There was a slight predominance of women (n = 61; 60.4%). The mean operative time was 97.16 ± 38.79 min and the length of stay in the hospital after surgery was 2.79 ± 1.4 days. One patient (0.99%) suffered a gastrojejunal anastomosis leak within 30 days of surgery. There were no significant differences in LOS, complication rate, or cosmetic score among the four groups. The mean BMI reduction was 8.67 kg/m(2) and the % total weight loss (%TWL) was 24.37%. Weight loss measured 12 months after surgery was significantly different among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: STLGB is safe, effective, and feasible for all kinds of patients. It is reproducible with standardization of the procedure.