Sleeve Gastrectomy is Associated with Longitudinal Improvements in Lung Function and Patient-Reported Respiratory...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Bariatric Surgery
• Respiratory Health

Background:

• Obesity negatively impacts pulmonary function via mechanical and biochemical pathways.
• Bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized for its potential to improve lung function.
• The precise timing and impact on patient-reported outcomes following bariatric surgery remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the timing of pulmonary function improvements after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
• To assess the association between lung function changes and patient-reported respiratory outcomes post-LSG.
• To evaluate changes in asthma control and symptoms following LSG.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 23 patients undergoing LSG.
• Spirometry, laboratory tests, and asthma control questionnaires (ACQ, ACT) were administered pre-operatively and at 3-month intervals for 1 year.
• Data were analyzed using a mixed-models approach for repeated measures.

Main Results:

• Significant % total body weight loss was observed throughout the 1-year follow-up.
• Rapid improvements in forced expiratory volume (FEV)% predicted and forced vital capacity (FVC)% predicted were noted by 3 months post-LSG.
• Shortness of breath significantly decreased at 3 months, wheezing resolved by 12 months, and sleep/exercise limitations improved.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary function and patient-reported respiratory outcomes show improvement starting 3 months after LSG.
• These beneficial effects on lung health persist for up to 12 months post-surgery.
• LSG offers a viable option for improving respiratory health in obese individuals.