Background  

The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of the laparoscopic interposition of a segment of ileum into the proximal duodenum associated to a sleeve gastrectomy (II-DSG) in order to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and body mass index (BMI) 21-29 kg/m².

Patients and methods  

The laparoscopic procedure was performed in 69 patients, 22 female and 47 male. Mean age was 51 years (range 41–63 years). Mean BMI was 25.7 (21.8–29.2) kg/m². All patients had the diagnosis of T2DM for at least 3 years and evidence of stable treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents and or insulin for at least 12 months. Insulin therapy was used by 44% of the patients. Mean duration of T2DM was 11 years (range 3–18 years). Dyslipidemia was diagnosed in 72.5% and hypertension in 66.7%. Nephropathy was characterized in 29% of the patients, retinopathy in 26.1%, and neuropathy in 24.6%.

Results  

Overall, 95.7% of the patients achieved adequate glycemic control (Hb_A1c < 7%) without antidiabetic medication. Hb_A1c below 6% was achieved by 65.2%. Mean postoperative follow-up was 21.7 months (range 7–42 months). Mean postoperative BMI was 21.8 kg/m². There was no conversion to open surgery. Median hospital stay was 3.4 days (range 2–58 days). Major postoperative complications were diagnosed in 7.3%. There was no mortality. Fasting glycemia decreased from a mean of 218 to 102 mg/dl, postprandial glycemia from 305 to 141 mg/dl, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (Homa-IR) from 5.2 to 0.77. All associated comorbidities and complications related to T2DM had significant improvement or control. Arterial hypertension was controlled in 91.3%. Macroalbuminuria was no longer observed. Microalbuminuria resolved in 87.5% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia was normalized in 95% and hypertriglyceridemia in 92% of patients.

Conclusions  

Laparoscopic II-DSG was an effective operation in controlling T2DM in a nonobese (BM < 30 kg/m²) population. Associated diseases and related complications were also improved. A longer follow-up period is needed.