Long-term outcome after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients over 65 years old: a retrospective analysis

Bariatric surgery has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for obesity with BMI (body mass index) reduction, and resolution or lowering of obesity-related co-morbidities. The relative age limit for bariatric surgery has gradually been increased to 60 years of age and above.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed in older patients (≥65 years old).

University hospital.

Between May 1, 2007 and November 30, 2013, 30 consecutive patients≥65 years old were included in this retrospective study of our prospectively collected bariatric database.

A total of 27 (90%) primary LSG and 3 revisional LSG (10%) were performed. Mean patient age was 67.2 (range: 65-74) years, and mean preoperative BMI (±standard deviation [SD]) was 44.1±5.6 kg/m². Thirty-day morbidity included 3 cases of self-limiting nausea and vomiting and 1 case of gastric sleeve stenosis necessitating conversion to gastric bypass. No mortality reported. The overall mean percentage of excess weight loss (±SD) and percentage of total weight loss (±SD) at 12 months were 53.8±19.8 and 23.9±8.4; 52.9±21.8 and 24±9.9 at 36 months, respectively. No patients were lost to follow-up but 5 were excluded because they underwent revisions. Age-adjusted mixed model analyses revealed that baseline BMI (P = .018), BMI>45 kg/m² (P = .001), and having diabetes (P = .030) were associated with excess weight loss<50% across follow-up.

LSG seems to be effective and safe for patients≥65 years old. Obesity related co-morbidities have improved across follow-up. BMI>45 kg/m² and diabetes is associated with insufficient weight loss or weight regain.