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Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is Safe and Effective in Elderly Patients: A Comparative Analysis

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Abstract

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is gaining widespread popularity as a definitive bariatric operation that provides satisfactory and durable weight loss as well as comorbidity resolution. Although SG is being increasingly offered to patients of all ages, there is a paucity of reported outcomes in patients ≥62 years of age. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the outcomes of SG in patients >62 years versus a younger age group, with an emphasis on safety and efficacy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed from a prospectively collected database on patients who underwent SG from 2007 to 2012. All patients who were ≥62 years old were compared to those <62 years.

Results

There were 182 patients who underwent SG, 17 of whom were ≥62 years old. There were no significant differences in demographics or comorbidity characteristics between the groups. The mean follow-up was 1 year. There was no 30-day mortality in either group. The percent excess weight loss for the younger age group was 44 ± 21 % and the older group was 44 ± 25 %. The percent total body weight loss was 22 ± 10 and 21 ± 10 %, respectively. Weight loss outcomes were maintained for up to 3 years. Comorbidity resolution and improvement rates were equivalent in both groups.

Conclusions

SG is safe and effective in patients ≥62 years. Weight loss and the beneficial effects on comorbidities are equivalent among elderly and younger patients. SG should be offered to elderly patients who are deemed to be appropriate candidates.

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Conflict of Interest

MAB, DTM, JHC, and SGM have no conflict of interest. DJS has received personal fees as speaker for Ethicon, W.L. Gore, and Cook Biotech, Inc, none of which influenced the submitted work

Statement of Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Statement of Human and Animal Rights

The study was approved by the Indiana University Institutional Review Board and was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki.

Grant Support

Educational Grant for Fellowship Support from the Foundation of Surgical Fellowships

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genesis Health Group, 855 Illini Drive, Suite 401, Silvis, IL, 61282, USA

    Michael A. Burchett

  2. Department of Surgery, Indiana University, 545 Barnhill Drive, Emerson Hall 203, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Daniel T. McKenna, Don J. Selzer & Jennifer H. Choi

  3. Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Mail Code: L223A, Portland, OR, 97231, USA

    Samer G. Mattar

Authors
  1. Michael A. Burchett
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  2. Daniel T. McKenna
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  3. Don J. Selzer
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  4. Jennifer H. Choi
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  5. Samer G. Mattar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Samer G. Mattar.

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Burchett, M.A., McKenna, D.T., Selzer, D.J. et al. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is Safe and Effective in Elderly Patients: A Comparative Analysis. OBES SURG 25, 222–228 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-014-1421-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-014-1421-9

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