Does longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy have a family "halo effect"? A case-matched study

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Obesity Management
• Family Health Studies

Background:

• Family environment may influence patient weight loss after bariatric surgery.
• Some individuals opt for surgery after a family member has undergone the procedure.
• This study investigates the impact of familial influence on surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the results of longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients from families with multiple members undergoing the procedure.
• To compare LSG outcomes in a family group versus a control group of unrelated individuals.

Main Methods:

• Matched 1:1 cohort study design.
• 78 LSG patients from 39 families (LSG-family group) were compared to 78 unrelated LSG patients (LSG group).
• Subgroup analysis within the family group based on the timing of surgery relative to a family member.

Main Results:

• The LSG-family group showed significantly lower mean BMI (28.6 vs 32.5 kg/m²) and higher excess weight loss (EWL) (83.5% vs 71.4%) at 24 months post-surgery compared to the LSG group.
• The LSG-family group had a lower rate of missed consultations (13.1% vs 25.9%).
• Patients who had surgery after a relative (LSG-family 2 subgroup) trended towards greater weight loss and better follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy outcomes, including weight loss and follow-up, were superior in the family group compared to the control group.
• Enhanced postoperative follow-up care may contribute to better outcomes in the family group.
• Familial influence appears to positively impact bariatric surgery results.