Comparison of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy outcomes between elderly and young patients

Background and Aim: There are conflicting results in the literature regarding the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and the resolution of comorbidities postlaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between the young and elderly patients. We compared the resolution of comorbidities and the %EWL and investigated for significant complications after surgery between the young and elderly patients. Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study which used the data collected from the electronic medical records at the Center of Excellence of Bariatric Surgery in King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2011 to 2017. The variables collected included; length of hospital stay, resolution of comorbidities at 1, 6, and 12 months, complications postsurgery, and the %EWL. Results: We included 56 patients (35 males and 21 females) with a mean age of 58.8 years (55 to 75 years) and mean body mass index of 39.5 kg/m2 (42–60 kg/m2). The length of stay was significantly longer in the elderly group compared to the younger group (3.14 vs. 2.33 days). The proportion of comorbidities in the older population was higher compared to the younger population. The resolution of the comorbidities was significantly higher at the last patient's follow-up in both older and younger population. The %EWL was above 50% in both age groups. There was one incidence of bleeding in the elderly group. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is relatively safe and effective in reducing the incidence of comorbid conditions even among elderly patients aged 60 years old and above. Therefore, we suggest that the age should not be a major impediment when considering bariatric surgery, particularly for the elderly patients. However, a meticulous assessment of other patient risk factors should also be considered prior to bariatric surgery.