Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese patients > or =55 years old

Advanced age is considered a relative contraindication to bariatric surgery at some institutions because of concerns about higher morbidity and less than optimal weight loss. The aim of our study was to evaluate the operative outcomes, length of stay, weight loss, and improvement of comorbidities in patients > or =55 years old who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery in our institution.

Retrospective data on 33 patients (26 women and 7 men) > or =55 years of age who underwent LRYGB from January 2003 to December 2006 were reviewed.

Average patient age was 59 years (range 55-68 years), and the mean preoperative body mass index was 47 kg/m2 (range 41.1-55.8 kg/m2). The median length of hospital stay was 3 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths. Early complications were one anastomotic leak, two upper gastrointestinal bleedings, and two readmissions for intractable vomiting. Late complications included four anastomotic strictures and one small bowel obstruction. Patients were followed for a mean 13 months (range 3-24 months). The mean excess body weight (EBW) loss was 13.5 kg (23%), 23.3 kg (39.8%), 33.3 kg (58.1%), 39.8 kg (66.8%), 40.1 kg (69.5%), and 40.8 kg (75.3%) at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Diabetes mellitus improved in 19 (100%) patients and completely resolved in 10 (53%). Hypertension improved in 18 (64%) patients, completely resolved in 9 (32%) and was unchanged in 10 (36%).

LRYGB is safe and effective in morbidly obese patients > or =55 years of age.