Early Effects of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty on Pulmonary Function Tests

Many studies proved the efficacy of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) in weight reduction. owever, few have considered its impact on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The aim was to obtain a numerical assessment of the effect of VBG on different PFTs. The study included 21 morbidly obese patients who had PFTs measured preoperatively and six months following VBG. Changes in the mean body mass index (BMI) and PFTs were analyzed using paired t test. Six months following VBG there was a significant BMI reduction from a mean of 49.64 (±8.44) kg/m² to 38.01 (±6.46) kg/m² (p 0.00001 ). There was a highly significant improvement in restrictive pulmonary dysfunction represented by changes of mean SVC from 3.13 (±0.4 7) L to 3.33 (±0.53) L (p=0.006) and mean FVC from 3.07 (±0.5) L to 3.33 (±0.5) L (p 0.00001 ). There was also a significant improvement in obstructive pulmonary dysfunction represented by changes of mean PEFR from 5.58 (±0.85) LIS to 6.12 (±0.94) LIS (p=0.00001) and mean FEY! from 2.54 (±0.42) L to 2.81 (±0.41) L (p=0.0001 ). The FEF75% was significantly improved from 0.81 (±0.13) LIS to 0.94 (±0.18) LIS (p=0.005). Also the peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) showed a significant improvement from 5.1 (±1.32) LIS to 6.01 (±1.03) LIS (p= 0.01). The overall lung performance significantly improved as evidenced by elevation of ERV from 0.63 (±0.2) L to 0.93 (±0.24) L (p=0.00004). MVV, which reflects work of breathing, also revealed significant improvement from 88. 9 (±15.41) L/Min to 98.35 (±17.01) LIMin (p=0.03). It was concluded that VBG produces highly significant improvement in both restrictive and obstructive PFTs, as well as overall lung performance, in a period of six month. Also it produces a significant improvement in the work of breathing.