Outcomes in bariatric surgery in the older patient population in Texas

The prevalence of morbid obesity is still increasing. Whether the safety of bariatric operations can span over a broad range of age groups is uncertain. This study evaluated the outcomes in gastric bypass operations for morbid obesity in Texas from 1999 to 2005 in persons <55 or > or =55 y of age.

Patients undergoing gastric bypass operations were identified using the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use Data file. Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital stay, and mortality rates were compared in patients <55 or >or=55 y of age.

Patients > or =55 y of age accounted for 10.7% (n = 3176) of the 29,731 gastric bypass procedures. The number of patients undergoing gastric bypass operations increased in both age groups. The percentage of patients > or =55 y of age increased from 8.5% in 1999 to 16.3% in 2005. Comparing the older age group with the younger age group, persons > or =55 y were less likely to be female (78.3% versus 86.2%, P < 0.0001) but more likely to be white (78.3% versus 62.4%, P < 0.0001) and have more comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, P < 0.0001). Older patients had a longer average postoperative hospital stay (3.7 versus 3.2 d, P < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality rates were 0.47% in the older group and 0.15% in the younger group (P < 0.0001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, age was an independent predictor of mortality after controlling for gender, race, year of operation, and severity of illness.

Bariatric surgery has increased in popularity among younger and older obese patients in Texas. Although morbidity and mortality rates are higher in patients > or =55 y of age, these procedures can be performed safely.