Changes in Left Ventricular Mechanics After Sleeve Gastrectomy

The aim of this study was to examine echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle (LV) mechanics in obese patients before and after sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Twenty-five obese individuals submitted to laparoscopic SG were enrolled in this study. Echocardiography was performed before and after the procedure, and left ventricle mechanics were evaluated by speckle tracking imaging.

Before surgery, altered global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were present in 56% of the patients. In a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 0.5 months after surgery, there was an increase in GLS values (from 17.4 ± 3.2 to 19.3 ± 2.7%, P = 0.01). There was an inverse correlation between the absolute values of GLS in the preoperative period and the variation in the GLS at follow-up (r = 0.577, P = 0.002). Measurements of global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), and LV twist were normal preoperatively and did not change after surgery.

Altered global longitudinal strain values were common in young obese patients. Sleeve gastrectomy increased global longitudinal strain even in the early postoperative phase without promoting changes in global radial strain, global circumferential strain, and left ventricle twist measurements.