Short-Term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on anatomical & biochemical parameters in morbidly obese Iraqi Patients

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis Background: With the worldwide and national increased prevalence of obesity and high failure rates of conventional methods of treatment, bariatric surgeries (especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) offer a safe and rapid therapeutic way for correction of obesity and its numerous related clinical complications. Aim: The current study examined the short-term effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on anatomical & biochemical markers in morbidly obese patients and investigated whether or not there was gender difference in the changes of these markers.Patients and methods: 65 morbidly obese (BMI≥40) patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were enrolled. Pre-operative & 4-week-post-operative assessment of anatomical parameters included body weight, height & calculation of body mass index (BMI). Similar biochemical assessment included lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), Hemoglobin, renal function tests and liver enzymes. Results: Patients of both sexes showed statistically significant reduction of body weight, BMI, FBS and improved serum levels of lipid profiles, renal function tests and liver enzymes. Many pre-operative abnormally high-level percentages were normalized or markedly decreased, with no statistically significant difference between males and females except for ALT changes. Discussion: Sleeve gastrectomy is very effective in improving body weight, BMI and lipid profiles by altering the anatomy and physiology of the stomach towards less food consumption, and also damping the secretion of hunger-stimulating hormones. The BMI reduction improves insulin sensitivity and FBS levels. Better glycemic & blood pressure control improve renal function, while improving HDL levels reduces liver steatosis and improves serum liver enzyme levels. The main disadvantage is reduced hemoglobin level due to macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusion: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy provides a permanent safe therapeutic choice for morbid obesity. The presence of vitamin and nutritional deficiencies after surgery is a common disadvantage mandating adequate pre-operative correction of the deficiencies, adequate post-operative supplementation and regular long follow-up.