Metabolic effects and outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass: a cohort study

The outcomes of bariatric surgery should not be evaluated only for weight loss purposes but from a wider point of view that is closer to the reality of morbidly obese patients. The study of the influence of bariatric surgery over obesity-related diseases in bariatric patients is worthwhile.

We present a cohort study of 329 patients who underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG: 165 patients) or laparoscopic gastric bypass (LRYGBP: 164). We analyzed complication rate, comorbidities and weight loss evolution.

Both groups were comparable in demographic characteristics at baseline. Significant statistical differences were found in length of hospital stay and operative time (both were lower in the LSG group). Bleeding and wound infection were higher in the LRYGBP group, as it happened with intestinal occlusion as a late complication (p < 0.05). After a 5-year follow-up, the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was higher in gastric bypass than sleeve gastrectomy (p = 0.01) but there was no statistical difference in percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) (p = 0.2). The resolution of comorbidities was similar in both groups except for dyslipidemia, which resolution was significantly higher in the gastric bypass group (p = 0.005). Metabolic syndrome (MeTS) resolution was similar in both groups.

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass achieve similar outcomes in hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and MeTS resolution even when there is weight regain. Although gastric bypass achieves higher weight loss in morbid obese patients, complication rates are also higher compared to those of sleeve gastrectomy. Thus, the appropriate procedure should be tailored based on patient factors and comorbidities, but also on surgeon comfort level and experience.