The impact of English proficiency on outcomes after bariatric surgery

Several studies demonstrated language that discordant care between may lead to mixed outcomes and increased use of hospital-resources. In the setting of bariatric surgery, which relies heavily on intensive pre-operative and post-operative counseling, we hypothesized that patients with LEP would have less favorable outcomes compared to English-proficient (EP) patients.

All patients 18 years and older, who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) from January 2013 to December 2017 were included. Language proficiency was determined by chart review for the use of an interpreter at least once during the study period. Outcomes of interest at 30-days and 1 year included: emergency department (ED) visits, readmission, length of stay (LOS), chief-complaint on readmission, and post-operative complications. Additionally, comorbidity remission and weight loss at one year was recorded.

A total of 671 patients were categorized as LEP (40%) and spoke 6 unique languages. Within the 1 year post-operative period, EP patients presented to the ED more than LEP patients (23% vs. 14% p < 0.001). After multivariable regression for potential confounders this difference persisted; adjusted OR = 0.65 (95% CI 0.43-0.95; p = 0.029). However, despite more frequent ED visits by EP patients, there was no significant difference in readmission within one year; adjusted OR = 0.94 (95% CI 0.56-1.55; p = 0.50). Both groups demonstrated similar successful weight loss at 1 year: EP-31.85% (LGBP) and - 28.02% (SG) vs. LEP-30.17% (LGBP) and - 28.36% (SG). EP and LEP patients also had similar remission of obesity-related comorbidities.

There were no differences in outcomes following bariatric surgery when comparing patients with limited English proficiency to those who are proficient in English. Bariatric surgical care can be delivered in a safe and effective manner with equivalent outcomes between patients who are and are not English-language proficient.