Preoperative Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Improves Weight Loss Potential in Morbidly Obese Voluntary Kidney Donors

This was a retrospective study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a strategy for weight loss in obese prospective voluntary kidney donors who were unable to achieve weight reduction through lifestyle changes.

This retrospective study included living kidney donors who underwent LSG as a strategy for weight loss in obese prospective voluntary kidney donors between 2012 and 2022. Prospective donors who were initially rejected due to obesity underwent LSG after pretransplantation evaluation. Changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), and laboratory parameters (hemogram, kidney function tests, liver function tests, fasting and postprandial glycemia, HbA_1c, and lipid profile measurements) were recorded before bariatric surgery and before nephrectomy.

Of the 16 candidates who underwent LSG, one did not proceed with donor nephrectomy due to the intended recipient's death. Among the remaining 15 subjects, the average interval between bariatric surgery and donor nephrectomy was 165.95 ± 48.86 days. There was a significant decrease in BMI following bariatric surgery (P < .0001); the mean BMI before bariatric surgery was 40.94 ± 4.53 kg/m², and before nephrectomy, it was 30.91 ± 3.87 kg/m². The mean weight loss was 22.64 ± 5.75 kg.

This study supports LSG as an effective approach for obese individuals who are potential kidney donors to achieve weight loss, mitigate obesity-associated risks, and become successful kidney donors.