Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients aged 55 and older

Background: Morbid obesity is on the rise worldwide leading to an increase in bariatric surgery in different age groups. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) in patients aged 55 and older. Methods: 1200 patients in Al Amiri Hospital, Kuwait underwent LSG between 2009 and 2012. Forty four patients were aged 55 years and older. Retrospective analysis included length of stay, percentage of excessive weight loss (EWL%), Body Mass Index (BMI), and post-operative complications. All data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Mean age was 58 years, 70.5% were females. Mean pre-operative weight of 122 kg and BMI of 47 kg/m² was noted. Median length of stay was three days. Patients were followed up from two weeks to two years. Mean EWL% was of 56% and 58% at one year and 18 months, respectively. Mean BMI reduced significantly over different time periods. Postoperative complications involved leak (2.3%), biliary colic (4.5%), renal embolism (2.3%). Both age groups achieved successful weight loss; however, those below age 55 achieved significantly better results (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: LSG has proven to be effective and safe in patients age 55 and older. The outcomes of patients aged 55 and older who undergo LSG should be further investigated among a larger sample size.