Abstract
Introduction:
Bariatric surgery, although known to be beneficial for obesity, like any surgery, has its operative risks, particularly in those who are morbidly obese. Our study aims to identify asymptomatic morbidly obese patients with cardiovascular abnormalities and identifying whether those cardiac abnormalities influence bariatric surgery outcomes.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis was conducted on a bariatric database. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 50 kg/m2 and above, or those indicated for an echocardiography (echo) due to pre-existing conditions, were selected. Demographic data, BMI, percentage of excess weight loss, and echocardiographic findings were collected and analyzed over an 18-month follow-up.
Results:
A total of 117 patients had an echo report, of whom 75.2% had a BMI of ≥50. The mean BMI was 54.6 kg/m2. A number of patients, 78.6%, were found to have a normal echo report. Almost all patients (94.9%) were found to have a normal ejection fraction. The most common abnormalities found were mild diastolic dysfunction (17%), mild atrial or ventricular enlargement (6%), and mild valvular abnormalities (5%). No cardiovascular morbidities or mortalities were observed postoperatively.
Conclusion:
Preoperative transthoracic echo revealed a wide range of cardiac findings. No cardiac complications were observed among the patients postoperatively. We recommend a selective approach for indicated superobese patients.
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