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Published on: November 14, 2020
Incidence and Independent Risk Factors for Meralgia Paresthetica Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A
Xin Zhao1, Shanshan Zuo1, Jie Wang1
1Zhengzhou Center Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Background:
Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a recognized complication following bariatric surgery, yet its risk factors remain poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of MP after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with obesity and to identify its independent risk factors.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LSG under general anesthesia at our institution between May 2020 and August 2024. Patients were divided into MP and non-MP groups based on postoperative occurrence. Propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1:4 ratio was used to balance baseline characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between potential risk factors (including preoperative body mass index [BMI] and common comorbidities) and postoperative MP.
Results:
A total of 2,635 patients were included. The incidence of postoperative MP was 9.86‰ (26/2635). After PSM, 26 MP patients and 104 non-MP patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis showed the MP group had a significantly higher preoperative BMI than the non-MP group (48.78 ± 7.36 kg/m² vs. 43.07 ± 12.17 kg/m², P < 0.05). Comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension were not significantly different between groups. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that a higher preoperative BMI was an independent risk factor for postoperative MP (OR = 1.036, 95%CI: 1.001-1.072, P = 0.042).
Conclusions:
Postoperative MP is a notable complication after LSG. A higher preoperative BMI is a strong and independent risk factor, which should be considered in perioperative risk stratification and prevention strategies.
Insights
Higher preoperative BMI is a key risk factor for meralgia paresthetica (MP) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This finding aids in perioperative risk assessment for patients undergoing LSG surgery.
Area of Science:
- Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
- Surgical Complications
- Neurology
Background:
- Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a known complication after bariatric surgery, but its specific risk factors are not well-established.
- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common bariatric procedure, and understanding its associated risks is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of meralgia paresthetica (MP) following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
- To identify independent risk factors associated with the development of MP after LSG.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 2,635 patients undergoing LSG between May 2020 and August 2024.
- Propensity score matching (1:4 ratio) was employed to balance baseline characteristics between MP and non-MP groups.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for postoperative MP.
Main Results:
- The incidence of postoperative MP was 9.86 per 1000 patients (26/2635).
- Patients who developed MP had a significantly higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) compared to those who did not (48.78 vs. 43.07 kg/m², P < 0.05).
- Higher preoperative BMI was confirmed as an independent risk factor for MP (OR = 1.036, P = 0.042).
Conclusions:
- Postoperative meralgia paresthetica is a significant complication after LSG.
- Elevated preoperative BMI is a strong, independent predictor of MP development post-LSG.
- Preoperative BMI should be a key consideration in risk stratification and the development of prevention strategies for MP after LSG.

