Impact of Close-Kin Experience with Metabolic Bariatric Surgery on Patient Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study...

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is increasingly common worldwide and in the Middle East due to its safety, efficacy, and durability. While close-kin patient (CKP) referrals from relative who have undergone MBS are frequent, the impact of this relationship remains unclear. This study evaluates whether CKP referrals influence BS outcomes and follow-up compliance at a tertiary medical center in the UAE.

A population-based study was conducted with IRB approval. Primary BS cases from January 2017 to December 2018 were included. Patients were contacted by phone to collect CKP information and classified into those with close kin relatives who underwent BS (YCK) and those without (NCK).

Of 235 patients, 121 agreed to participate. The YCK group included 82 (67.7%) patients, mostly female (73%), mean age 39 ± 13 years, and initial BMI 44.6 ± 7.47 kg/m². The NCK group included 39 (32.2%) patients, mostly female (79%), mean age 38 ± 14 years, and initial BMI 46.9 ± 6.73 kg/m². Patients in the YCK group were less likely to experience late complications (p 0.05). Follow-up at one year was significantly higher in the YCK group (82.93% vs. 62%, p 0.05). Among YCK patients, 87.8% reported their relative had a positive experience (PYCK), and 12.1% reported a negative experience (NYCK). There was no significant correlation between relatives' experiences and patients' outcomes.

Patients with close kin referrals have similar early outcomes but show better postoperative care adherence, which may contribute to reduced late complication risks; though further studies are needed to confirm this finding.