The impact of connected devices on postoperative readmission rates after sleeve gastrectomy: a randomized controlled...

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment for obesity, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) being one of the most common procedures. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and enhanced recovery protocols, postoperative readmission remains a challenge. This study evaluates whether the use of connected devices (CDs) can reduce early readmission rates after LSG.

This was a prospective, randomized, monocentric pilot study including 179 patients who underwent LSG between March 2020 and March 2022. Patients were randomized into two groups: (1) CD group (n = 87), discharged 24 hours postoperatively with remote monitoring via connected devices, and (2) non-CD (NCD) group (n = 92), discharged per standard protocol (24-72 hours postoperatively). The primary outcome was the rate of early readmission (within 15 days). Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and safety of the monitoring protocol.

The early readmission rate was significantly lower in the CD group (2.3%) compared to the NCD group (7.6%; P = 0.04). Remote monitoring allowed for real-time clinical assessment, leading to fewer unnecessary hospitalizations (P = 0.02). Patient satisfaction was high, with 93.1% completing the satisfaction questionnaire, and nearly all patients in the CD group recommending the use of connected devices for postoperative care.

Remote monitoring using connected devices is a safe and effective strategy to reduce early readmission rates after LSG. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and explore cost-effectiveness.