Effectiveness and Safety of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Elderly Patients-Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Long-term Results of Duodeno-jejunal Bypass in the Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

Obesity and its related severe comorbidities are increasing rapidly. The duodenal-jejunal bypass is an endoscopically implanted device (mimicking the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) developed to support weight reduction and improve type 2 diabetes control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective data analysis of consecutive patients undergoing duodenal-jejunal bypass (EndoBarrier®, DJB) implantation between 2013 and 2017 was performed to evaluate safety as well as short- and long-term efficacy.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one patients (mean BMI of 43.1 ± 7.2 kg/m2 and weight of 138.2 ± 28.6 kg) underwent DJB implantation. The mean dwelling time was 15.5 months, the mean total body weight loss (%TBWL) after explantation was 10.3% ± 7.9% (14.2 kg, p < 0.0001), and the mean BMI was 39.5 ± 7.3 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). There was no significant weight gain 24 months after the explantation. Seventy-seven patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a mean HbA1c before implantation of 5.6% (n = 52). The mean HbA1c after explantation was 5.1% (p = 0.0001). Significant reductions in transaminase and lipid levels before and after explantation were observed. One complication occurred during implantation and another during explantation. In 16 patients, the device had to be extracted earlier than expected (7 for severe adverse events and 9 for adverse events; 13.2%).

CONCLUSION

Despite an evident rate of adverse events, the DJB shows promise as a weight-loss procedure. Our results show that some patients implanted with the device maintained reduced weight even 24 months after explantation, while many improved T2DM control.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients Over 60 Years Old: A Long-Term Follow-Up

Purpose: This study analyzed the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients over 60 years old, in a long-term follow-up, in a high-volume bariatric center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients older than 60 years who underwent LSG in our center from January 2009 to December 2018. A prospectively collected database of 4991 consecutive LSG cases was reviewed. Results: One hundred seventy-nine sleeve gastrectomy procedures were performed in patients older than 60 years, 135 were aged 60-65 years (group A) and 44 were older than 65 years (group B). We reported five cases (2.7%) of early complications: three postoperative hemorrhages, one cardial leakage, and one perigastric abscess. No thromboembolic events or mortality rates were reported. The mean follow-up period was 5.5 years (66 months). The follow-up loss rate was about 29%. At last follow-up, the mean body-mass index/body mass/percentage of excess weight loss values were, respectively, 33.7 ± 7/86.1 ± 21/60.4 ± 28.6 in group A and 32.4 ± 6.4/82.6 ± 18/61.8 ± 33 in group B. We reported 5 (4.0%) trocar site hernias, 1 (0.8%) cardial junction stenosis, and 22 (18%) new outbreaks of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). There were 7 reinterventions (5.7%): 5 for weight regain and 2 for GERD not responding to medical therapy. There were no statistically significant differences between the two age groups. Conclusions: LSG is a safe and effective treatment for severe obesity in people over 60 years old. There are no differences in results of patients over 65 years and between 60 and 65 years old. Scales that include associated medical problems and the patient's general condition must be considered.

Obesity and Aging

The obesity epidemic in aging populations poses significant public health concerns for greater morbidity and mortality risk. Age-related increased adiposity is multifactorial and often associated with reduced lean body mass. The criteria used to define obesity by body mass index in younger adults may not appropriately reflect age-related body composition changes. No consensus has been reached on the definition of sarcopenic obesity in older adults. Lifestyle interventions are generally recommended as initial therapy; however, these approaches have limitations in older adults. Similar benefits in older compared with younger adults are reported with pharmacotherapy, however, large randomized clinical trials in geriatric populations are lacking.

Safety of bariatric surgery in the elderly: results from the Dutch National Registry

BACKGROUND

The increased human life expectancy and prevalence of obesity lead to more elderly people with obesity. As the popularity of bariatric surgery continues to grow, more elderly persons apply for bariatric surgery. However, because of the potentially higher surgical risk in elderly patients, bariatric surgery has been performed in small numbers. Moreover, the literature so far has shown controversial results.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety of bariatric surgery in elderly patients in terms of 2-year morbidity and mortality.

SETTING

Dutch nationwide mandatory registry for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective cohort study. Elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) who received primary bariatric surgery between January 2015 and January 2020 were compared with the general bariatric surgical population (aged 18-65 years).

RESULTS

Of 49,553 patients, 838 elderly patients (1.7%) were included. An intraoperative complication was registered in 1.2% of the elderly patients and 1.1% of the nonelderly patients (P = .814). A severe short-term complication (≤30 days) was registered in 38 elderly patients (4.5%) and 1071 nonelderly patients (2.2%) (P < .001). The short-term mortality rates were .2% and .1%, respectively (P = .173). Bleeding was the most reported short-term complication. Significantly more nonelderly patients had a follow-up visit; 560 elderly patients (66.8%) versus 34,975 nonelderly patients (71.8%) (P = .002). The severe midterm complication rate (>30 days to ≤2 years) was significantly higher in nonelderly patients (3.7% versus 1.6%; P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery in elderly patients is safe in terms of perioperative outcome, mortality, and midterm complication rate. However, elderly patients experienced twice as many severe short-term complications. Bariatric surgery in elderly patients should be recommended on a case-by-case basis.

Parental Obesity Predisposition and Age of Onset Associate with Poor Response to Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Parental predisposition and age of onset may be independently associated with 1-year total weight loss (TWL) failure (< 20%) after metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS).

METHODS

This cohort study includes all cases of the German StuDoQ|MBE register (2015-2019) with data on parental predisposition, obesity onset, and at least 1-year follow up after primary MBS procedures (n = 14,404). We provide descriptive statistics of the cohort in terms of the main outcome and 1-year TWL failure, and provide characteristics of surgery type subgroups. Finally, we provide a multivariate logistic regression model of 1-year TWL failure.

RESULTS

58.8% and 45.7% of patients reported maternal and paternal predisposition for obesity, respectively. Average onset of obesity was 15.5 years and duration of disease 28.3 years prior to MBS. SG is the most frequently performed procedure (47.2%) followed by RYGB (39.7%) and OAGB (13.1%). Mean 1-year TWL is 32.7 ± 9.3%, and 7.8% (n = 1,119) of patients show TWL failure (< 20%). Multivariate analysis shows independent association of early onset of obesity (< 18 years), male sex, age at operation, pre-operative BMI, pre-operative weight loss, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with 1-year TWL failure (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The proportions of MBS patients that report on paternal and maternal predisposition for obesity are 45.7% and 58.8% respectively, and average age at onset is 15.5 years. 7.8% of patients do not meet current target criteria of successful response to surgery at 1 year. Early onset, male sex, age at operation, pre-operative BMI, pre-operative weight loss, SG, and T2D are independently associated with weight loss failure.

Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery in Different Age Groups

PURPOSE

Weight loss after bariatric operations may be reduced in older patients due to changes in metabolism. Some studies showed inferior weight loss in older patients compared to younger ones while others showed no such difference. In order to counsel patients about the expected weight loss after bariatric surgery, recommendations stratified by age are important.

METHODS

This study encompasses a retrospective analysis of 500 consecutive patients with RYGB or sleeve gastrectomies from a single institution with a mean follow-up time of 3.6 years. Patients were stratified into five groups according to age at the time point of the operation: < 30 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and ≥ 60 years.

RESULTS

Weight loss expressed in percent excessive body mass index loss (%EBMIL) at nadir were 86.6, 89.5, 84.0, 77.9, and 76.4% and 75.6, 78.4, 73.3, 68.0, and 69.0% at the time of last follow-up for the five groups, respectively. Weight loss was significantly higher in younger patients than in older patients for both time points. The total number of comorbidities that showed complete remission (normal values without treatment), was also significantly higher in the younger age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary bariatric operations yield better weight loss results and remission rates of obesity related comorbidities in younger patients, but are still effective in older individuals.

Impact of bariatric surgery in elderly patients with obesity

INTRODUCTION

to evaluate the long-term impact of bariatric surgery in the elderly population.

METHODS

a retrospective study including all patients older than 60 years who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at our center and maintained a follow-up longer than 1 year. Clinical and laboratory variables were studied to assess remission of obesity and its comorbidities, as well as variables directly related to the surgical procedure itself, including early and late complications.

RESULTS

fifty-six patients were studied, mostly female (76,8%), with a mean age of 64.02 ± 3.34. A rate of complications of 37,5% was observed, with 10,7% requiring hospital admission and emergency surgery. The mean excess weight loss (%EWL) was 74.22% ± 26.76. The remission rates of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were 26.08% and 54.54%, respectively. There was significant difference in BMI reduction (12.25 ± 5.42, p<0.001), total cholesterol (31.37 ± 38.89 p<0,001), LDL cholesterol (23.45 ± 34.9, p=0.002), HDL cholesterol (5.14 ± 11.13, p=0,024), triglycerides (48.85 ± 56.15 p<0.001), HbA1C (1,81 ± 1,97, p<0,001) e PCR (1.43 ± 1.96, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

bariatric surgery was effective in weight loss and remission of comorbidities in the elderly obese population within the long term.

Bariatric Surgery in Medicare Patients: Examining Safety and Healthcare Utilization in the Disabled and Elderly

OBJECTIVE

To compare safety and healthcare utilization after sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a national Medicare cohort.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Though bariatric surgery is increasing among Medicare beneficiaries, no long-term, national studies examining comparative effectiveness between procedures exist. Bariatric outcomes are needed for shared decision-making and coverage policy concerns identified by the cMS Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee.

METHODS

Retrospective instrumental variable analysis of Medicare claims (2012-2017) for 30,105 bariatric surgery patients entitled due to disability or age. We examined clinical safety outcomes (mortality, complications, and reinterventions), healthcare utilization [Emergency Department (ED) visits, rehospitalizations, and expenditures], and heterogeneity of treatment effect. We compared all outcomes between sleeve and bypass for each entitlement group at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years.

RESULTS

Among the disabled (n = 21,595), sleeve was associated with lower 3-year mortality [2.1% vs 3.2%, absolute risk reduction (ARR) 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.2% to -0.03%], complications (22.2% vs 27.7%, ARR 95%CI: -8.5% to -2.6%), reinterventions (20.1% vs 27.7%, ARR 95%CI: -10.7% to -4.6%), ED utilization (71.6% vs 77.1%, ARR 95%CI: -8.5% to -2.4%), and rehospitalizations (47.4% vs 52.3%, ARR 95%Ci: -8.0% to -1.7%). Cumulative expenditures were $46,277 after sleeve and $48,211 after bypass (P = 0.22). Among the elderly (n = 8510), sleeve was associated with lower 3-year complications (20.1% vs 24.7%, ARR 95%CI: -7.6% to -1.7%), reinterventions (14.0% vs 21.9%, ARR 95%CI: -10.7% to -5.2%), ED utilization (51.7% vs 57.2%, ARR 95%CI: -9.1% to -1.9%), and rehospitalizations (41.8% vs 45.8%, ARR 95%Ci: -7.5% to -0.5%). Expenditures were $38,632 after sleeve and $39,270 after bypass (P = 0.60). Procedure treatment effect significantly differed by entitlement for mortality, revision, and paraesophageal hernia repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is safe, and healthcare utilization benefits of sleeve over bypass are preserved across both Medicare elderly and disabled subpopulations.

Safety of Bariatric Surgery in ≥ 65-Year-Old Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

Age ≥ 65 years is regarded as a relative contraindication for bariatric surgery. Advanced age is also a recognised risk factor for adverse outcomes with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) which continues to wreak havoc on global populations. This study aimed to assess the safety of bariatric surgery (BS) in this particular age group during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison with the younger cohort.

Methods

We conducted a prospective international study of patients who underwent BS between 1/05/2020 and 31/10/2020. Patients were divided into two groups — patients ≥ 65-years-old (Group I) and patients < 65-years-old (Group II). The two groups were compared for 30-day morbidity and mortality.

Results

There were 149 patients in Group 1 and 6923 patients in Group II. The mean age, preoperative weight, and BMI were 67.6 ± 2.5 years, 119.5 ± 24.5 kg, and 43 ± 7 in Group I and 39.8 ± 11.3 years, 117.7±20.4 kg, and 43.7 ± 7 in Group II, respectively. Approximately, 95% of patients in Group 1 had at least one co-morbidity compared to 68% of patients in Group 2 (p = < 0.001).

The 30-day morbidity was significantly higher in Group I (11.4%) compared to Group II (6.6%) (p = 0.022). However, the 30-day mortality and COVID-19 infection rates were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a higher complication rate in those ≥ 65 years of age compared to those < 65 years old. However, the mortality and postoperative COVID-19 infection rates are not significantly different between the two groups.

Graphical abstract

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy as Effective in Older Patients as in Younger Patients? A Comparative Analysis of Weight Loss, Related Comorbidities, and Medication Requirements

Background

Bariatric surgery in the older population has been the subject of ongoing debate but several studies have recently demonstrated its short-term advantages in this age group. It is not yet clear, however, whether these benefits are long-lasting.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with morbid obesity who underwent laparoscopy sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). These patients were divided into two groups: those above 60 years of age (older group) and those of 60 years or under (younger group). Variables evaluated included demographics and anthropometrics data, comorbidities, and daily medication requirements.

Results

Two hundred fifty-two patients underwent LSG, 57 in the older group and 195 in the younger group. Outcomes related to weight loss in the older subjects were modest compared to those in the younger population (older group %EWL 41.6 vs younger group %EWL 51.1, p < 0.05, older group %TWL 24.9% vs younger group %TWL 25.2%, p < 0.05). During follow-up, both older and younger patients showed an improvement in all the comorbidities: hypertension (older 82.5% vs 38.1%, younger 52.6% vs 29.2%, p < 0.05), type 2 diabetes mellitus (older 38.6% vs 27.3%, 34.9% vs 23.9%, p < 0.05), hyperlipidemia (older 75.4% vs 42.9%, younger 35.9% vs 21.1%, p < 0.05), and OSAHS (older 57.9% vs 30%, younger 40.4% vs 7.1%, p < 0.05). The average number of daily medications used to manage comorbidities decreased in both groups.

Conclusion

LSG in older patients is effective in terms of weight loss, improvement of comorbidities, and lower daily medication requirements up to 5 years of follow-up.

Graphical abstract

Impacto da cirurgia bariátrica em pacientes idosos portadores de obesidade

RESUMO Introdução: avaliar o impacto da cirurgia bariátrica na população idosa no longo prazo. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo que incluiu todos os pacientes com mais de 60 anos submetidos ao Bypass gástrico em Y de Roux (BGYR) em nosso centro e que mantiveram seguimento superior a 1 ano. Foram estudadas variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais para avaliação da remissão da obesidade e suas comorbidades, além de variáveis diretamente relacionados ao procedimento cirúrgico em si, incluindo complicações precoces e tardias. Resultados: foram estudados 56 pacientes, a maioria do sexo feminino (76,8%), com idade média de 64,02 ± 3,34. Foi observada uma taxa de complicações de 37,5%, com 10,7% requerendo internamento hospitalar e cirurgia de urgência. A média geral da perda do excesso de peso (%PEP) foi de 74,22% ± 26,76. As taxas de remissão de hipertensão e diabetes mellitus foram de 26,08% e 54,54%, respectivamente. Houve variação significativa no IMC (12,25 ± 5,42, p<0,001), colesterol total (31,37 ± 38,89 p<0,001), colesterol LDL (23,45 ± 34,9, p=0,002), colesterol HDL (5,14 ± 11,13, p=0,024), triglicerídeos (48,85 ± 56,15 p<0,001), HbA1C (1,81 ± 1,97, p<0,001) e PCR (1,43 ± 1,96, p<0,001). Conclusão: a cirurgia bariátrica se mostrou eficaz na perda de peso e na remissão de comorbidades na população de idosos com obesidade no longo prazo..

Bariatric surgery outcomes: is age just a number?

INTRODUCTION

Obesity and its associated comorbidities represent a pervasive problem in the United States across all age groups. There are conflicting data regarding the effectiveness and postoperative recovery of bariatric surgery in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of bariatric surgery across age groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After obtaining institutional review board approval, patients with morbid obesity who underwent non-revisional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at our institution between 2011 and 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were subdivided into five age groups: < 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and ≥ 60 years. Patient baseline demographics and comorbidities were collected. Postoperative outcomes including reinterventions/reoperations, 30-day-readmissions, 90-day-mortality, comorbidities' resolution, and change in BMI (ΔBMI) up to 4 years were recorded and compared. The groups were compared with ANOVA and chi-square tests and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

LRYGB was performed in 74.7% of the 1026 study patients. Patients ≥ 60 years old demonstrated lower preoperative BMI than patients < 50 years (p < 0.001). Patients 50-59 years old had increased length of stay compared to 30-39 (p = 0.003) and a higher prevalence of all comorbidities was found in older patients (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in 30-day-readmissions; 90-day-mortality; reoperations; and reinterventions among the study groups. The ΔBMI was higher in younger patients and comorbidity resolution was more likely in younger patients with the exception of obstructive sleep apnea.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery can be accomplished safely across all age groups with satisfiable postoperative weight loss. However, older age had higher hospital stay and convalescence and lower comorbidity resolution compared to younger patients. Thus, bariatric surgery should be offered earlier in life to allow the patients to reap its benefits.

2020 Korean Society for the Study of Obesity Guidelines for the Management of Obesity in Korea

Obesity is a prevalent and complex disease. The prevalence of obesity in Korea increased from 29.7% in 2010 to 35.7% in 2018, with the prevalence of abdominal obesity being 23.8% in 2018. Obesity contributes to medical costs and socioeconomic burden due to associated comorbidities. The treatment and management of obesity is changing based on new clinical evidence. The 2020 Korean Society for the Study of Obesity Guideline for the Management of Obesity in Korea summarizes evidence-based recommendations and treatment guidelines.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Comparing Long-Term Outcomes of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has overtaken Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as the most common bariatric procedure worldwide. However, there is little long-term data comparing the two procedures.

OBJECTIVES

We perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing 5-year outcomes of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RYGB and SG.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and NHS Evidence were searched for English language RCTs comparing RYGB with SG and assessed weight loss and/or comorbidity resolution at 5 years.

RESULTS

Five studies were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrates a significantly greater percentage excess weight loss in patients undergoing RYGB compared with SG (65.7% vs 57.3%, p < 0.0001). Resolution of diabetes was seen in 37.4% and 27.5% after RYGB and SG respectively. There was no significant difference between RYGB and SG in rates of resolution or improvement of diabetes. Similarly, HbA1C levels were not significantly different between the two procedures. Resolution of dyslipidaemia was more common after RYGB (68.6% vs 55.2%, p = 0.0443). Remission of gastro-oesophageal reflux occurred in 60.4% in the RYGB group in contrast to 25.0% in the SG group (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Both RYGB and SG result in sustained weight loss and comorbidity control at 5 years. RYGB resulted in greater %EWL, improved dyslipidaemia outcomes and a lower incidence of postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Gut Hormones in Health and Obesity: The Upcoming Role of Short Chain Fatty Acids

We are currently facing an obesity pandemic, with worldwide obesity rates having tripled since 1975. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of non-communicable diseases, which are now the leading cause of death worldwide. This calls for urgent action towards understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the development of obesity as well as developing more effective treatments and interventions. Appetite is carefully regulated in humans via the interaction between the central nervous system and peripheral hormones. This involves a delicate balance in external stimuli, circulating satiating and appetite stimulating hormones, and correct functioning of neuronal signals. Any changes in this equilibrium can lead to an imbalance in energy intake versus expenditure, which often leads to overeating, and potentially weight gain resulting in overweight or obesity. Several lines of research have shown imbalances in gut hormones are found in those who are overweight or obese, which may be contributing to their condition. Therefore, this review examines the evidence for targeting gut hormones in the treatment of obesity by discussing how their dysregulation influences food intake, the potential possibility of altering the circulating levels of these hormones for treating obesity, as well as the role of short chain fatty acids and protein as novel treatments.

Is Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Safe and Effective in Patients over 60 Years of Age?" an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To evaluate, mid-term outcomes between elderly patients (EP, i.e., age > 60 years old) and young patients (YP, i.e., age < = 60 years old) who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Studies comparing EP versus YP for bariatric surgery published until April 2020 were selected and submitted to a systematic review and meta-analysis. After LSG, overall morbidity and specific post-operative complication rates (i.e., leak, abscess, hemorrhage, and reoperation) were significantly more frequent in EP compared with those in YP. Surgical outcomes were similar between EP and YP after LRYGB. Both procedures achieved weight loss, but it was statistically greater in YP compared with that in EP. In summary, this meta-analysis suggests that laparoscopic bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment in EP compared with that in YP.

Recommendations Based on Evidence by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) for the Pre- and Postoperative Management of Patients Undergoing Obesity Surgery

In order to develop evidence-based recommendations and expert consensus for nutrition management of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and postoperative follow-up, we conducted a systematic literature search using PRISMA methodology plus critical appraisal following the SIGN and AGREE-II procedures. The results were discussed among all members of the GARIN group, and all members answered a Likert scale questionnaire to assess the degree of support for every recommendation. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery should be screened preoperatively for some micronutrient deficiencies and treated accordingly. A VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet) should be used for 4–8 weeks prior to surgery. Postoperatively, a liquid diet should be maintained for a month, followed by a semi-solid diet also for one month. Protein requirements (1–1.5 g/kg) should be estimated using adjusted weight. Systematic use of specific multivitamin supplements is encouraged. Calcium citrate and vitamin D supplements should be used at higher doses than are currently recommended. The use of proton-pump inhibitors should be individualised, and vitamin B12 and iron should be supplemented in case of deficit. All patients, especially pregnant women, teenagers, and elderly patients require a multidisciplinary approach and specialised follow-up. These recommendations and suggestions regarding nutrition management when undergoing bariatric surgery and postoperative follow-up have direct clinical applicability.

Bariatric surgery as a safe and effective intervention for the control of comorbidities in older adults

INTRODUCTION: In addition to being associated with worsening of diseases related to metabolic syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders, obesity in older adults increases the risk of falls, frailty syndrome, depression, and dementia, with consequent functional loss. Among all treatments available, bariatric surgery is an option for eligible patients. OBJECTIVES: To discuss aspects related to the safety and benefits of bariatric surgery for the control or remission of comorbidities in older adults. METHODS: This literature review was carried out in databases, using the following keywords: bariatric surgery and elderly or aged or older adult and comorbidities or safety. We included clinical trials, observational studies, comparative studies, and reviews that evaluated the effect of bariatric surgery on the control or remission of comorbidities in older adults. RESULTS: In recent years, several studies have evidenced not only control or remission of comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea syndrome, but also a low rate of complications, similar to those observed in young people. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of these studies, bariatric surgical procedures can be indicated for eligible older adults, without age restriction, taking into account functional and life expectancy aspects.

Impact of age on morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is the most effective modality to treat obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. This study sought to utilize the MBASQIP® Data Registry to analyze the impact of age at time of surgery on outcomes following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures.

METHODS

The MBSAQIP® Data Registry for patients undergoing SG or RYGB procedures between 2015 and 2016 was reviewed. Patients were divided into 4 age groups [18-44; 45-54; 55-64; > 65 years]. Minimal exclusions for revisional and/or emergency surgery were selected and combination variables created to classify complications as major or minor. A comorbidity index was constructed to include diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and prior cardiac surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compare age stratifications to the young adult (18-45 years) cohort.

RESULTS

Of 301,605 cases, 279,419 cases (71.2% SG) remained after applying exclusion criteria (79.2% female, mean BMI 45.5 ± 8.1 kg/m², 8.9% insulin-dependent diabetics). Mean age was 44.7 ± 12.0 years (51.3% 18-44 years; 26.9% 45-54 years; 16.3% 55-64 years; 5.5% > 65 years). A univariate analysis demonstrated preoperative differences of lower BMI with increasing age concomitant with increasing frequency of RYGB and a higher comorbidity index (p < 0.0001 vs. 18-45 years). At age > 45 years, major complications and 30-day mortality increased independent of procedure type (p < 0.0001). A multivariate analysis controlling for comorbidity indices demonstrated increasing age (> 45 years) increased risk for major complications and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Overall, bariatric surgery (SG or RYGB) remains a low mortality risk procedure for all age groups. However, all age group classifications > 45 years had higher incidence of major complications and mortality compared to patients 18-45 years (despite older individuals having lower preoperative BMI) indicating delaying surgery is detrimental.

Surgical Morbidity in the Elderly Bariatric Patient: Does Age Matter?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global health problem that also affects older adults. In Chile, as in most of the developing countries, more than half of older adults are overweight or obese, and bariatric surgery may be riskier for this group. The aim of this study is to compare our experience in patients over 60 years of age with a control group to determine associated surgical morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Case-control study of bariatric surgeries performed between 2006 and 2017 in our institution. Patients aged ≥ 60 years for the case group versus control group for patients ≤ 50 years selected randomly, matched by body mass index, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, surgical technique, and gender (ratio 1:2). Primary endpoint was surgical morbidity, 30-day readmission, and mortality.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients in case group were matched with 144 patients in control group. Surgical complications rate was the same for both groups. No differences were observed in the conversion to open surgery rate or 30-day readmission rate. There was no mortality in this series.

CONCLUSION

In this case-control study, being elderly does not increase the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with bariatric surgery.