Bariatric surgery to achieve transplant in end-stage organ disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background As obesity prevalence grows, more end-stage organ disease patients will be precluded from transplant. Numerous reports suggest bariatric surgery in end-stage organ disease may help patients achieve weight loss sufficient for transplant listing. Methods We performed a systematic review/meta-analysis of studies of bariatric surgery to achieve solid organ transplant listing. Results Among 82 heart failure patients, 40.2% lost sufficient weight for listing, 29.3% were transplanted, and 8.5% had sufficient improvement with weight loss they no longer required transplantation. Among 28 end-stage lung disease patients, 28.6% lost sufficient weight for listing, 7.1% were transplanted, and 14.3% had sufficient improvement following weight loss they no longer required transplant. Among 41 cirrhosis patients, 58.5% lost sufficient weight for listing, 41.5% were transplanted, and 21.9% had sufficient improvement following weight loss they no longer required transplant. Among 288 end-stage/chronic kidney disease patients, 50.3% lost sufficient weight for listing and 29.5% were transplanted. Conclusions Small sample size and publication bias are limitations; however, bariatric surgery may benefit select end-stage organ disease patients with obesity that precludes transplant candidacy.