Ten-Year Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Comparison Between Adults and Adolescents

Abstract

Background:

Bariatric and metabolic surgeries (BMS) showed their effectiveness in weight reduction and remission of comorbidities. Some authors suggest that the earlier the BMS, the better; however, long-term data comparing adolescents to adults is scarce.

Objectives:

To compare the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between adults and adolescents, weight loss results, obesity-associated comorbidities, and the rate of revisional surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective data review compared adolescents and adults who underwent LSG between 2011 and 2012.

Results:

The mean age of 91 adolescents (16.5 ± 1.3 years) was compared to 139 adults (37.5 ± 11.4 years). Adults’ body mass index (BMI): 48.3 ± 8.7 kg/m². Adolescents’ BMI: 47.6 ± 7.5 kg/m². The mean follow-up was 121.1 ± 10.2 months. Adults’ BMI was 35 ± 7.2 kg/m² at ten years, and adolescents’ was 31.4 ± 8.2 kg/m² (p < 0.001). Twenty-three adults (16.5%) required revisional BMS, compared to 12% of adolescents (p = 0.35). None of the adolescent patients had a relapse of hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea. Sixteen adults (53%) and two adolescents (40%) relapsed with their diabetes mellitus II.

Conclusion:

At 10 years of follow-up, adolescent patients could maintain better weight loss results than adults. Only 12% of adolescents needed revisional bariatric surgery.