Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Weight Loss and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background and objective Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a novel bariatric technique, reduces stomach capacity to promote weight loss. It is increasingly preferred due to its lower risk and improved outcomes, particularly for obesity-associated hypertension and diabetes. LSG has also demonstrated effective weight loss. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of LSG for treating obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methodology A prospective cohort study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital-Medical Teaching Institute (LRH-MTI), Peshawar, from March 2023 to February 2024. A total of 280 patients (aged 18-60 years) were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. Weight loss was assessed using the percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL). GERD symptoms were evaluated using the GerdQ score. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and Chi-squared tests, were performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York), with significance set at p<0.05. Results LSG achieved a 100% success rate with no major complications, an average surgery duration of 45 minutes, and a mean hospital stay of 2.5 days. At the 12-month follow-up, significant reductions in hypertension (p=0.032) and diabetes (p<0.012) were observed. Substantial weight loss (p=0.001) and a decrease in comorbidities were noted, while GERD symptom improvement was not statistically significant (p=0.348). Conclusion LSG is a promising intervention for weight loss and obesity-related comorbidities. It significantly improves hypertension and diabetes, although its impact on GERD requires further research. Longer follow-ups and diverse populations are recommended for future studies.