Analysis of obesity-related outcomes and bariatric failure rates with the duodenal switch vs gastric bypass for morbid obesity.

Objective: To compare the outcomes of a large cohort undergoing biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (DS) vs gastric bypass (GB).

Design: Retrospective review of the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database from 2007 to 2010. All inpatient and outpatient follow-up data were analyzed.

Setting: Multicenter database.

Patients: Patients undergoing primary DS were compared with a concurrent cohort undergoing GB.

Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were (1) weight loss; (2) control of comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and sleep apnea; and (3) failure to achieve at least 50% excess body weight loss.

Results: One thousand five hundred forty-five patients underwent DS and 77 406 underwent GB, with a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 52 and 48, respectively (P < .01). The DS was associated with longer operative times, greater blood loss, and longer lengths of hospital stay (all P < .05). Early reoperation rates were higher in the DS group (3.3% vs 1.5%). Percentage of change in BMI was significantly greater in the DS group at all follow-up intervals (P < .05). Subgroup analysis of the superobese population (BMI >50) revealed significantly greater percentage of excess body weight loss in the DS group at 2 years (79% vs 67%; P < .01). Comorbidity control of diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea were all superior with the DS (all P < .05). The risk of weight loss failure was significantly reduced with DS vs GB for all patients, with a greater reduction in the BMI more than 50 subgroup.

Conclusions: The DS is a less commonly used bariatric operation, with higher early risks compared with GB. However, the DS achieved better weight and comorbidity control, with even more pronounced benefits among the superobese.