Short- and long-term mortality after bariatric surgery in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

In this study, we reviewed mortality rate and its causes after bariatric surgeries in children and adolescents. This was a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. All human studies as cohort, observational, randomized clinical trial (RCT) and cross-sectional in children and adolescents that reported long and short-term mortality after bariatric surgery were considered for initial evaluations. in total, 8 articles were eligible for inclusion in the study. The all-cause mortality rate was 0.02% which is lower than what reported in adults. The overall results of this systematic review suggest that bariatric surgery is safe for weight loss in children and adolescents with morbid obesity. Causes of death in the literature were mostly cardiac events (infarction, failure or collapse), hypoglycaemia, overdose and suicide. • Bariatric surgery is safe and effective for weight loss in children and adolescents with morbid obesity. • The all-cause mortality rate of bariatric surgeries in adolescents is 0.02%, which is lower than what reported in adults. • Healthcare providers should be persuaded to refer children with morbid obesity for surgery.