Sleeve Gastrectomy in Different Age Groups: a Comparative Study of 5-Year Outcomes

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been used more frequently over the past 10 years. As the population ages, a larger number of older people will suffer from weight-related comorbidities, resulting in bariatric surgery becoming a dominant solution for improving health and quality of life. We assessed the long-term outcomes of LSG in elderly patients.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent LSG between January 2007 and August 2009. We subdivided 123 patients into <35 (n = 43), 35-55 (n = 59), and >55 (n = 21) age groups.

The respective mean excess body mass index loss and excess weight loss were 42.5% ± 3.1% and 41.3% ± 12.3% for the <35 age group, 48.7% ± 4.1% and 45.6% ± 10.6% for the 35-55 age group, and 53.6% ± 4.6% and 52.1% ± 11.1% for the >55 age group. The follow-up compliance rates at the 5-year visit were 23.85, 31.11, and 47.61% for the <35, 35-55, and >55 age groups, respectively. The corresponding Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System scores were 3.7 ± 1.1, 4.0 ± 0.7, and 5.3 ± 1.3. The comorbidities of all the patients improved significantly, with a non-significant distribution between the three groups for each comorbidity.

LSG is a useful tool for people who want to modify their eating habits and lose weight healthily. This study suggests that long-term weight loss, improvements in comorbidity, and compliance to follow-up are significant for patients >55 years old.