The usefulness of biliopancreatic diversion/Scopinaro operation in treatment of patients with Prader-Willi syndrome

Abstract

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common form of obesity with a genetic basis. The short expected survival time due to numerous accompanying diseases and their complications is the reason for research on the maximally efficient method of treatment of obesity in this syndrome. Undertaken attempts of conservative treatment, for example with somatostatin, are ineffective. It seems that the only effective treatment of obesity in this syndrome may be surgical. In this article we present 2 cases of patients with PWS who underwent surgery consisting of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)/Scopinaro procedure. The BPD/Scopinaro operation in selected cases of disciplined patients with a co-operative family, which we find of key importance, can be considered as one option of treatment of this syndrome in patients with prior neglect of conservative treatment.