Laparoscopic gastric banding in over 60s

The aggressive pursuit of weight loss in the elderly remains a controversial objective. In this series of 113 patients over 60 years of age who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, we report on complications, co-morbidity change, quality-of-life improvement and changes in medication use over a median follow-up period of 25.5 months.

A prospectively kept database was reviewed from January 1999 to September 2008 identifying patients over 60 who underwent gastric banding surgery. Baseline and follow-up SF-36® survey scores were compared longitudinally. Co-morbidity change and medication use were assessed by questionnaire and electronic record review.

Major complications were experienced by 7.1% over the follow-up period with a re-operation rate of 15.0%. Excess BMI loss was 44.1% after 5 years and combined mean SF-36® quality-of-life scores (out of 100) improved 22.1 points, achieving parity with age-matched norms for the general population. Diabetes improved in 74.2% with hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and depression improving in 57.1, 51.1 and 35.9% of cases. A significant drop in medication use was not seen, and cancer was responsible for three deaths over the follow-up period. No surgical mortality was incurred.

Laparoscopic gastric banding can markedly improve quality of life for morbidly obese over 60s. Health gains are significant, but medication use is not substantially altered. Gastric banding is an ideal weight loss operation for this age group due to its safety and efficacy, and the primary goal should be quality-of-life improvement.