Results of jejuno-ileostomy for gross refractory obesity

Abstract

Abstract The results of jejuno-ileostomy in 182 patients have been studied. The operative mortality was 1·1 per cent and the overall mortality 6·6 per cent, of which 3·3 per cent was attributable to the effects of the small bowel bypass. Weight reduction usually ceased at about 18–24 months postoperatively, by which time the average fall was 36·3 per cent of the mean original body weight. Males and younger patients achieved better than average results. The main side-effects were fatty infiltration of the liver, polyarthralgia, excessive diarrhoea and electrolyte upsets.