It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Robert Rutledge. From the very start, he was a significant supporter of IBC, engaging in numerous academic discussions and debates. His papers received reviews and comments from leading experts worldwide.
We will forever cherish his smile and gentle demeanor. He was respected and admired by all of us. His contributions to the IBC Oxford University World Congress were extraordinary. We had the honor of hearing his outstanding talk just last year in Oxford.
IBC and the entire global medical community will miss you, Robert.
Rest in Peace.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Robert Rutledge obtained a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Auburn University, a medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and completed his residency at Tennessee State University College of Medicine.
He served for several years as a general and trauma surgeon at the University of North Carolina, where he performed an operation later known as MGB by executing a gastrojejunostomy following an antral resection on a gunshot victim's stomach.
He worked at various institutions across the USA and traveled worldwide to teach surgeons how to perform MGB. In recent years, he primarily worked in India, which became his permanent and ultimate home.
Contributions to Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Rutledge's most notable contribution to bariatrics is the "Mini-Gastric Bypass" (MGB) technique. This method significantly reduces complications and recovery time, making it a game-changer in the field of weight-loss surgery.
The Mini-Gastric Bypass Technique
The Mini-Gastric Bypass was created by Robert Rutledge in the USA in 1997. As a trauma surgeon, he encountered an abdominal gunshot wound where a duodenal exclusion with a Billroth II anastomosis was suitable for reconstruction. This experience inspired Rutledge to apply the MGB to consenting bariatric patients, forming a long lesser curvature channel that prevents reflux. In the USA, there was initial skepticism about the MGB, but the procedure gained worldwide popularity.
The mini-gastric bypass was initially developed as a variation of the standard Billroth II procedure. It involves creating a long, narrow tube of the stomach along its right border (the lesser curvature). A loop of the small intestine is then brought up and connected to the tubular gastric pouch approximately 180 cm from the beginning of the intestine.
The MGB has been proposed as an alternative to the Roux-en-Y procedure due to its simpler construction and is increasingly popular because of its low risk of complications and effective sustained weight loss. It is estimated that 15.4% of weight loss surgeries in Asia are now performed using the MGB technique.
Patient and Doctors Testimonials
The true impact of Dr. Rutledge’s work shines through his patients' testimonials. Many share transformative stories of regaining their lives after surgery. For example, one patient expressed, “Dr. Rutledge didn’t just perform surgery on me; he gave me hope. I feel like a new person, and I can't thank him enough for his guidance.”
"Dr. Rutledge is an excellent surgeon and is very through and professional in his selection procedure. He requires a great deal of eduction, research and commitment to life style changes from all patients in order to screen out potential problems - his patent manual is 100 pages!"
"his patients adore him and the operation to the point where he has almost a cult-like following. I interviewed over 50 past MGB patients and did not discover the bile reflux problems detractors claimed"
"Dr. Rutledge is the most unique surgeon I have ever met"
"Dr. Rutledge is patient and will spend as much time with you as you want. If you have a million questions, he will answer them. He is kind, caring,knowledgeable, professional, well mannered, to met him is to love him. Along with the professionalism I have the highest regard for him".
"He was more than a teacher—he was family. Together, we changed the world. A life well lived, and a legacy unmatched and a place in hearts all around the world"
Continuing Education and Research
As a leader in bariatric surgery, Dr. Rutledge was dedicated to ongoing education and research. He actively participated in conferences and seminars, sharing his findings and staying current on advancements in the field.
By contributing to peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Rutledge ensured that his research reached a global audience. Collaborating with other experts allowed him to stay at the forefront of the dynamic world of bariatrics.
The Impact of Dr. Rutledge’s Work
Dr. Robert Rutledge's pioneering work in bariatric surgery has transformed countless lives. His innovative Mini-Gastric Bypass technique has made weight-loss surgery not only safer but also more effective, thus significantly improving patient outcomes.
Through his holistic approach to care, dedication to community outreach, and commitment to education and research, Dr. Rutledge set a standard for excellence in surgical practice. As the field of bariatrics advances, Dr. Rutledge's influence will continue, inspiring future generations of surgeons to prioritize patient well-being above all.