Evaluation of risk factors for complications after bariatric surgery

Safety of gastric bypass with same-day discharge: a propensity score-matched analysis of the Dutch Audit for treatment of Obesity

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery with same-day discharge (SDD) is becoming increasingly common. Nevertheless, there is limited data available comparing gastric bypass patients with SDD to those with overnight hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term outcomes of gastric bypass with SDD compared to overnight hospitalization in The Netherlands.

SETTING

Retrospective database study with the use of the Dutch national registry.

METHODS

Patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2022 were included and propensity score matching was performed to compare SDD with patients discharged on postoperative days (POD) 1-4. The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe complications within 30 days postoperative.

RESULTS

A total of 775 SDD patients were matched with 1550 patients discharged on POD 1-4. The occurrence of severe complications was .9% in both groups (P = 1.000), and there were no significant differences in reoperations or mortality. A significant difference was observed in the readmission rate, with 3.9% in the SDD group compared to 1.6% in the other group (P = .001). A proportionally small, yet statistically significant difference favored the control group regarding anastomotic leakages (.6% versus 0%, P = .004) and unspecified surgical complications (1.4% versus .5%, P = .028).

CONCLUSION

Gastric bypass with SDD is safe, with no increased risk of short-term severe complications, reoperations, or mortality. However, SDD is associated with a higher 30-day readmission rate compared to patients who stay overnight in the hospital after surgery.

Predicting serious postoperative complications and evaluating racial fairness in machine learning algorithms for metabolic and bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Predicting the risk of complications is critical in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).

OBJECTIVES

To develop machine learning (ML) models to predict serious postoperative complications of MBS and evaluate racial fairness of the models.

SETTING

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) national database, United States.

METHODS

We developed logistic regression, random forest (RF), gradient-boosted tree (GBT), and XGBoost model using the MBSAQIP Participant Use Data File from 2016 to 2020. To address the class imbalance, we randomly undersampled the complication-negative class to match the complication-positive class. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), precision, recall, and F1 score. Fairness across White and non-White patient groups was assessed using equal opportunity difference and disparate impact metrics.

RESULTS

A total of 40,858 patients were included after undersampling the complication-negative class. The XGBoost model was the best-performing model in terms of AUROC; however, the difference was not statistically significant. While the F1 score and precision did not vary significantly across models, the RF exhibited better recall compared to the logistic regression. Surgery type was the most important feature to predict complications, followed by operative time. The logistic regression model had the best fairness metrics for race.

CONCLUSIONS

The XGBoost model achieved the highest AUROC, albeit without a statistically significant difference. The RF may be useful when recall is the primary concern. Undersampling of the privileged group may improve the fairness of boosted tree models.

Factors contributing to weight loss success after bariatric procedures in patient over 65 years old: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age gives comparable results to treatment in the younger population, there are still controversies regarding the indications for surgery, risk assessment, and choice between different types of surgery. The study aimed to identify the factors contributing to weight loss success after bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients with obesity aged over 65 years undergoing primary laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the years 2008-2022. Data came from 11 bariatric centers. Patients were divided into two groups: responders (R) who achieved more than 50% EWL and nonresponders (NR) who achieved less than 50% EWL. Both groups were compared. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of weight loss success.

RESULTS

Out of 274 analyzed patients, the average BMI before surgery was 42.9 kg/m 2 . The most common obesity-related diseases were hypertension (85.1%) and type 2 diabetes (53.3%). Sleeve gastrectomy was the most frequently performed procedure (85.4%). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed preoperative BMI (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98, P =0.02), duration of diabetes >10 years (OR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.09-0.82, P =0.02), balloon placement (OR=10.6, 95% CI: 1.33-84.83, P =0.03), time since first visit (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99, P =0.04), preoperative weight loss (OR=0.9, 95% CI: 0.86-0.98, P =0.01), and OAGB (OR=15.7, 95% CI: 1.71-143.99, P =0.02) to have a significant impact on weight loss success 1 year after bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with higher preoperative weight loss may have a poorer response to surgery. OAGB emerged as the most beneficial type of surgery in terms of weight loss. Intragastric balloon placement before surgery may be effective in patients above 65 years of age and may be considered as a two-stage approach.

Risk factors for bariatric surgery in patients over 65 years of age-a multicenter retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Societies are aging, life expectancy is increasing, and as a result, the percentage of elderly people in the population is constantly increasing. When qualifying patients over 65 years of age for bariatric surgery, the benefits and risks should be carefully assessed. Weighing risk factors against each other to improve the quality of life and better control of obesity-related diseases. The study aimed to determine risk factors for bariatric surgery among patients over 65 years of age.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric procedures from 2008 to 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: complicated (C) and uncomplicated (UC). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain significant, independent risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 20 (7.0%) patients in C group and 264 (93.0%) patients in UC group. The most common complication was intraperitoneal bleeding (8, 2.8). There was no postoperative mortality. The mean follow-up was 47.5 months. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, length of stay and %EWL significantly corresponded to general complications (OR 1.173, OR 1.020). A higher weight loss before surgery lowered the risk for hemorrhagic events after surgery (OR 0.889). A longer length of stay corresponded to leak after surgery (OR 1.175).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric and metabolic surgery appears to be a safe method of obesity treatment in patients over 65 years of age. The most common complication was intraperitoneal bleeding. A prolonged hospital stay may increase the risk of leakage, while a higher weight loss before the surgery may lower the risk of bleeding.

Oxidative Stress in Postbariatric Patients: A Systematic Literature Review Exploring the Long-term Effects of Bariatric Surgery

Background

The present study investigates the impact of oxidative stress after bariatric surgery in patients with obesity. This field of study has gained great interest in recent years due to the role that oxidative stress plays in metabolic diseases. Obesity, by itself, can generate an increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, intensifying cellular damage and promoting the progression of adverse metabolic conditions. In this context, bariatric surgery emerges as a candidate capable of modifying oxidative stress biomarkers, facilitating the patient's metabolic recovery.

Methods

A systematic review was carried out, identifying 30 studies found in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. It looked at the link between oxidative stress and recovery after bariatric surgery in patients. The selection of studies was based on the measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers before and after surgical intervention.

Results

The results reveal a significant decrease in oxidative stress biomarkers after bariatric surgery. However, a notable variability in antioxidant activity is observed between different patients, as well as a significant influence of comorbidities.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is postulated as an effective intervention in reducing oxidative stress in patients with obesity, enhancing antioxidant activity and improving patient recovery. This finding highlights the importance of considering oxidative stress management as an integral part of postoperative care, suggesting the need to implement complementary treatment strategies to optimize health outcomes.

Clinical outcomes and adverse events of bariatric surgery in adults with severe obesity in Scotland: the SCOTS observational cohort study

Background

Bariatric surgery is a common procedure worldwide for the treatment of severe obesity and associated comorbid conditions but there is a lack of evidence as to medium-term safety and effectiveness outcomes in a United Kingdom setting.

Objective

To establish the clinical outcomes and adverse events of different bariatric surgical procedures, their impact on quality of life and the effect on comorbidities.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

National Health Service secondary care and private practice in Scotland, United Kingdom.

Participants

Adults (age >16 years) undergoing their first bariatric surgery procedure.

Main outcome measures

Change in weight, hospital length of stay, readmission and reoperation rate, mortality, diabetes outcomes (HbA1c, medications), quality of life, anxiety, depression.

Data sources

Patient-reported outcome measures, hospital records, national electronic health records (Scottish Morbidity Record 01, Scottish Care Information Diabetes, National Records Scotland, Prescription Information System).

Results

Between December 2013 and February 2017, 548 eligible patients were approached and 445 participants were enrolled in the study. Of those, 335 had bariatric surgery and 1 withdrew from the study. Mean age was 46.0 (9.2) years, 74.7% were female and the median body mass index was 46.4 (42.4; 52.0) kg/m2. Weight was available for 128 participants at 3 years: mean change was -19.0% (±14.1) from the operation and -24.2% (±12.8) from the start of the preoperative weight-management programme. One hundred and thirty-nine (41.4%) participants were readmitted to hospital in the same or subsequent 35 months post surgery, 18 (5.4% of the operated cohort) had a reoperation or procedure considered to be related to bariatric surgery gastrointestinal complications or revisions. Fewer than five participants (<2%) died during follow-up. HbA1c was available for 93/182 and diabetes medications for 139/182 participants who had type 2 diabetes prior to surgery; HbA1c mean change was -5.72 (±16.71) (p = 0.001) mmol/mol and 65.5% required no diabetes medications (p < 0.001) at 3 years post surgery. Physical quality of life, available for 101/335 participants, improved in the 3 years post surgery, mean change in Rand 12-item Short Form Survey physical component score 8.32 (±8.95) (p < 0.001); however, there was no change in the prevalence of anxiety or depression.

Limitations

Due to low numbers of bariatric surgery procedures in Scotland, recruitment was stopped before achieving the intended 2000 participants and follow-up was reduced from 10 years to 3 years.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity. Patients in Scotland, UK, appear to be older and have higher body mass than international comparators, which may be due to the small number of procedures performed.

Future work

Intervention studies are required to identify the optimal pre- and post surgery pathway to maximise safety and cost-effectiveness.

Study registration

This study is registered as ISRCTN47072588.

Funding details

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 10/42/02) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 7. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Cohort of 500 Consecutive Patients

INTRODUCTION

There is an increasing demand on hospital capacity worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local staff shortages. Novel care pathways have to be developed in order to keep bariatric and metabolic surgery maintainable. Same-day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is proved to be feasible and could potentially solve this challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SDD after RYGB is safe for a selected group of patients.

METHODS

In this single-center cohort study, low-risk patients were selected for primary RYGB with intended same-day discharge with remote monitoring. All patients were operated according to ERAS protocol. There were strict criteria on approval upon same-day discharge. It was demanded that patients should contact the hospital in case of any signs of complications. Primary outcome was the rate of successful same-day discharge without readmission within 48 h. Secondary outcomes included short-term complications, emergency department visits, readmissions, and mortality.

RESULTS

Five hundred patients underwent RYGB with intended SDD, of whom 465 (93.0%) were successfully discharged. Twenty-one patients (4.5%) were readmitted in the first 48 h postoperatively. None of these patients had a severe bleeding. This results in a success rate of 88.8% of SDD without readmission within 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Same-day discharge after RYGB is safe, provided that patients are carefully selected and strict discharge criteria are used. It is an effective care pathway to reduce the burden on hospital capacity.

Association of Diabetes Mellitus With Postoperative Complications and Mortality After Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Although a variety of data showing that diabetes mellitus (DM) (Type 1 or Type 2) is associated with postoperative complication, there is still a lack of detailed studies that go through the specific diabetic subgroups. The goal of this meta-analysis is to assess the relationship between DM and various complications after non-cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We searched articles published in three mainstream electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science) before November, 2020. A random effects model was conducted since heterogeneity always exist when comparing results between different types of surgery.

RESULTS

This paper included 125 studies with a total sample size of 3,208,776 participants. DM was a risk factor for any postoperative complication (Odds ratio (OR)=1.653 [1.487, 1.839]). The risk of insulin-dependent DM (OR=1.895 [1.331, 2.698]) was higher than that of non-insulin-dependent DM (OR=1.554 [1.061, 2.277]) for any postoperative complication. DM had a higher risk of infections (OR=1.537 [1.322, 1.787]), wound healing disorders (OR=2.010 [1.326, 3.046]), hematoma (OR=1.369 [1.120, 1.673]), renal insufficiency (OR=1.987 [1.311, 3.013]), myocardial infarction (OR=1.372 [0.574, 3.278]). Meanwhile, DM was a risk factor for postoperative reoperation (OR=1.568 [1.124, 2.188]), readmission (OR=1.404 [1.274, 1.548]) and death (OR=1.606 [1.178, 2.191]).

CONCLUSIONS

DM is a risk factor for any postoperative complications, hospitalization and death after non-cardiac surgery. These findings underscore the importance of preoperative risk factor assessment of DM for the safe outcome of surgical patients.

Defining Global Benchmarks in Elective Secondary Bariatric Surgery Comprising Conversional, Revisional, and Reversal Procedures

OBJECTIVE

To define "best possible" outcomes for secondary bariatric surgery (BS).

BACKGROUND

Management of poor response and of long-term complications after BS is complex and under-investigated. Indications and types of reoperations vary widely and postoperative complication rates are higher compared to primary BS.

METHODS

Out of 44,884 BS performed in 18 high-volume centers from 4 continents between 06/2013-05/2019, 5,349 (12%) secondary BS cases were identified. Twenty-one outcome benchmarks were established in low-risk patients, defined as the 75th percentile of the median outcome values of centers. Benchmark cases had no previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, thromboembolic events, BMI> 50 kg/m2 or age> 65 years.

RESULTS

The benchmark cohort included 3143 cases, mainly females (85%), aged 43.8 ± 10 years, 8.4 ± 5.3 years after primary BS, with a BMI 35.2 ± 7 kg/m2. Main indications were insufficient weight loss (43%) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease/dysphagia (25%). 90-days postoperatively, 14.6% of benchmark patients presented ≥1 complication, mortality was 0.06% (n = 2). Significantly higher morbidity was observed in non-benchmark cases (OR 1.37) and after conversional/reversal or revisional procedures with gastrointestinal suture/stapling (OR 1.84). Benchmark cutoffs for conversional BS were ≤4.5% re-intervention, ≤8.3% re-operation 90-days postoperatively. At 2-years (IQR 1-3) 15.6% of benchmark patients required a reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Secondary BS is safe, although postoperative morbidity exceeds the established benchmarks for primary BS. The excess morbidity is due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal leakage and higher need for intensive care. The considerable rate of tertiary BS warrants expertise and future research to optimize the management of non-success after BS.

SurgiCal Obesity Treatment Study (SCOTS): a prospective, observational cohort study on health and socioeconomic burden in treatment-seeking individuals with severe obesity in Scotland, UK

OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of evidence to inform the delivery and follow-up of bariatric surgery for people with severe obesity. The SurgiCal Obesity Treatment Study (SCOTS) is a national longitudinal cohort of people undergoing bariatric surgery. Here, we describe characteristics of the recruited SCOTS cohort, and the relationship between health and socioeconomic status with body mass index (BMI) and age.

PARTICIPANTS/METHODS

445 participants scheduled for bariatric surgery at any of 14 centres in Scotland, UK, were recruited between 2013 and 2016 for this longitudinal cohort study (1 withdrawal); 249 completed health-related preoperative patient-reported outcome measures. Regression models were used to estimate the effect of a 10-unit increase in age or BMI, adjusting for sex, smoking and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Mean age was 46 years and median BMI was 47 kg/m². For each 10 kg/m² higher BMI, there was a change of -5.2 (95% CI -6.9 to -3.5; p<0.0001) in Rand 12-item Short Form Survey Physical Component Summary (SF-12 PCS), -0.1 (95% CI -0.2 to -0.1; p<0.0001) in EuroQoL 5-level EQ-5D version index score and 14.2 (95% CI 10.7 to 17.7; p<0.0001) in Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite Physical Function Score. We observed a 3.1 times higher use of specialist aids and equipment at home (OR: 3.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 5.0; p<0.0001). Broadly, similar results were seen for each 10-year higher age, including a change of -2.1 (95% CI -3.7 to -0.5; p<0.01) in SF-12 PCS.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher BMI combined with older age is associated with poor physical functioning and quality of life in people seeking bariatric surgery treatment. Policy-makers must consider the health and care needs of these individuals and invest to provide increased access to effective weight management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN47072588.

Development of the "OS-SEV90 Score" to Predict Severe Postoperative Complications at 90 Days Following Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery may be associated with severe postoperative complications (SPC). Factors associated with the risk of SPC have not been fully investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify preoperative risk factors of SPC within 90 days and to develop a risk prediction model based on these factors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study based on a prospectively maintained database of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery from October 2005 to May 2019. All SPC occurring up to the 90th postoperative day were recorded according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. Associations between potential risk factors and SPC were analyzed using a logistic regression model, and the risk prediction ("OS-SEV90 score") was computed. Based on the OS-SEV90 score, the patients were grouped into 3 categories of risk: low, intermediate, and high.

RESULTS

Among 1963 consecutive patients, no patient died and 82 (4.2%) experienced SPC within 90 days. History of gastric or esophageal surgery (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.040, 95% confidence interval; CI 1.78-5.20, p< 0.0001), past of thromboembolic event aOR 2.26, 95%; CI 1.12-4.55, p = 0.0225), and surgery performed by a junior surgeon (aOR 1.99, 95%; CI 1.26-3.13, p = 0.003) were all independently associated with risk for SPC, adjusting for ASA physical status system (ASA) score ≥ 3, severe OSA, psychiatric disease, asthma, a history of abdominal surgery, alcohol, cardiac disease, and dyslipidemia. "the OS-SEV90 score" based on these factors was constructed to classify patients into 3 risk groups: low (≤2), intermediate (3-4), and high (≥5). According to "the OS-SEV90 score," SPC increased significantly from 2.9% in the low-risk group, 7.7% in the intermediate-risk group, and 23.3% in the high-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

A predictive model of SPC within 90 days "the OS-SEV90 score" has been developed using 9 baseline risk factors. The use of the OS-SEV90 score may help the multidisciplinary team to identify the specific risk of each patient and inform them about and optimize the comorbidities before the surgery. Further studies are warranted to validate this score in a new independent cohort before using it in clinical practice.

Feasibility of Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using Remote Monitoring

BACKGROUND

Shortening of hospital stay to 1 night has not affected the short-term safety of patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Whether the RYGB is feasible in an ambulatory setting (same-day discharge) without overnight hospital stay remains to be answered. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) using additional live video consultation and remote monitoring. Same-day discharge (SDD) was defined as surgery without postoperative overnight hospital stay.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective feasibility study in a selected group of patients undergoing a RYGB. Fifty patients undergoing a primary RYGB were selected and potentially treated following the SDD protocol. After SDD discharge patients were remotely monitored after surgery for 48 h using a medical device measuring vital signs three times a day. Video consultations were performed by a doctor twice a day for 2 postoperative days. Primary outcome was the success rate (%) of SDD. Secondary outcomes were emergency room presentations, readmissions, early complications (<30 days), and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients were selected for the SDD treatment protocol between June 2020 and November 2020. An SDD success rate of 88 % (44/50 patients) was achieved. Five patients (10%) presented at the emergency room, 2 of whom (4%) were readmitted because of a complication within 30 days after surgery. Overall, patients who followed the SDD protocol reported high satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSION

A RYGB with SDD can be considered feasible using remote monitoring for a selected group of patients.

Preoperative Cardiac Diagnostics in Bariatric Patients with Diabetes and Perioperative Morbidity: Results of a Cohort of 258 Patients

Purpose

The combination of obesity and diabetes mellitus are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular complications and perioperative morbidity in metabolic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectivity and reliability of the cardiac assessment in patients with diabetes prior to bariatric surgery.

Setting

Private, university-affiliated teaching hospital, Switzerland

Material and Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on results and consequences of cardiac assessments in 258 patients with obesity and diabetes scheduled for primary bariatric surgery at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018.

Results

Out of 258 patients, 246 (95.3%) received cardiac diagnostics: 173 (67.1%) underwent stress-rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), 15 (5.8%) patients had other cardiac imaging including cardiac catheterization, 58 (22.5%) patients had echocardiography and/or stress electrocardiography, and 12 (4.7%) patients received no cardiac evaluation. Subsequently, cardiac catheterization was performed in 28 patients (10.9%), and coronary heart disease was detected and treated in 15 subjects (5.8%). Of these 15 individuals, 5 (33.3%) patients had diffuse vascular sclerosis, 8 (53.3%) patients underwent coronary angioplasty and stenting, and 2 (13.3%) patients coronary artery bypass surgery. Bariatric surgery was performed without perioperative cardiovascular events in all 258 patients.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that a detailed cardiac assessment is mandatory in bariatric patients with diabetes to identify those with yet unknown cardiovascular disease before performing bariatric surgery. We recommend carrying out myocardial perfusion scintigraphy as a reliable diagnostic tool in this vulnerable population. If not viable, stress echocardiography should be performed as a minimum.

Impact of Prior Bariatric Surgery on Perioperative Liver Transplant Outcomes

Bariatric surgery (BS) is effective in treating morbid obesity, but the impact of prior BS on candidacy for liver transplantation (LT) is unclear. We examined 78 patients with cirrhosis with prior BS compared with a concurrent cohort of 156 patients matched by age, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and underlying liver disease. We compared rates of transplant denial after evaluation, delisting on the waiting list, and survival after LT. The median time from BS to LT evaluation was 7 years. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the most common BS procedure performed (63% of cohort). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was the leading etiology for liver cirrhosis (47%). Delisting/death on the waiting list was higher among patients with BS (33.3% versus 10.1%; P = 0.002), and the transplantation rate was lower (48.9% versus 65.2%; P = 0.03). Intention-to-treat (ITT) survival from listing to 1 year after LT was lower in the BS cohort versus concurrent cohort (1-year survival, 84% versus 90%; P = 0.05). On adjusted analysis, a history of BS was associated with an increased risk of death on the waiting list (hazard ratio [HR], 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-15.1), but this impact was attenuated (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.8-13.4) by the presence of malnutrition. When limited to matched controls by sex, mortality attributed to BS was no longer significant for females (P = 0.37) but was significant for males (P = 0.046). Sarcopenia, as captured by skeletal muscle index, was calculated in a subset of patients (n = 49). The total skeletal surface area was lower in the BS group (127 [105-141] cm² versus 153 [131-191] cm² ; P = 0.005). Rates of sarcopenia were higher among patients delisted after listing (71.4% versus 16.7%; P = 0.04). In conclusion, a history of BS was associated with higher rates of delisting on the waiting list as well as lower survival from the time of listing on ITT analysis. Presence of malnutrition and sarcopenia among patients with BS may contribute to worse outcomes.