Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: long-term weight loss outcomes

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular weight loss surgery.
• Limited long-term efficacy data exists for LSG.
• This study evaluates the 7-year outcomes of LSG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG).
• To determine the durability of weight loss and co-morbidity resolution after LSG.
• To report complications associated with LSG over a 7-year period.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 16 patients undergoing LSG at a tertiary care university hospital.
• Inclusion criteria: accepted indications for bariatric surgery; exclusion criteria: prior bariatric surgery, gastrectomy, substance abuse, psychiatric illness, end-stage organ disease, or advanced cancer.
• Outcomes measured: percent excess weight loss (%EWL), percent weight loss (%WL), co-morbidity resolution, and complications over 7 years.

Main Results:

• Mean BMI was 43.5 kg/m², mean age 49; 14/16 patients were women.
• At 7 years, mean %WL was 29.6%±8.95 and mean %EWL was 59.6%±89.9%.
• 11/14 patients achieved >50% EWL at 7 years; however, 7-year EWL was significantly less than 1-year EWL (72%±20%).
• Complications included 1 partial obstruction and 1 subacute leak, both managed endoscopically. No reoperations or deaths occurred.
• 5/14 patients developed new-onset gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a durable and successful bariatric procedure at 7 years postoperative.
• The study highlights the long-term effectiveness of LSG in weight management.
• Potential for new-onset GERD should be considered in long-term LSG follow-up.