Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity in 3003 Patients: Results at a High-Volume Bariatric Center.

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining wide acceptance as a single surgical treatment for obesity. The reported morbidity and mortality rates are low. We herein report the results of LSG performed in a high-volume center by an experienced team. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all bariatric surgery (BS) was performed between May 2006 and December 2014. Data inspected included operative time, length of hospital stay (LOS), comorbidity resolution, re-operation, percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and 30-day morbidity and mortality. In the study period, 3003 patients underwent BS (1901 (63%) female). Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 43years (range 14-73) and 42.8kg/m(2) (range 35-73), respectively. %EWL at 1year was 72% (n = 937; 57% follow-up rate). There was 1 perioperative mortality due to bleeding (0.03%). Comorbidity improvement and resolution were 98% for obstructive sleep apnea, 79% for diabetes mellitus, 87% for dyslipidemia, and 85% for hypertension. Mean operative time and LOS were 50min (range 32-94) and 2.2days (range 1-38), respectively. Of the patients, 132 had complications (4.4%), 25 leaks (0.83%), 63 bleeding (2.1%), 1 intra-abdominal abscesses (0.03%), 3 sleeve strictures (0.1%), 2 mesenteric vein thromboses (0.06%), 10 trocar site hernias (0.3%), and 78 symptomatic cholelithiasis (2.6%). Re-operation was needed in 13 patients (0.43%). In a high-volume center with an experienced team, LSG can be performed with low morbidity and mortality.