Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Background: The risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in older patients (=or>65 years) are still being evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess how the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be safely performed on this population while achieving good outcome results and significantly improving chronic health diseases. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 30 older patients who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, performed within a single center, from May 2007 to December 2013. Collected data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, intraoperative complications, length of stay, and postoperative complications. Percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL) at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively was also noted. Results: The average patient's age was 67.2 years (65 to 74) and average BMI was 45.1. Several comorbidities were found (17 with DM, 26 with hypertension, 17 with dyslipidemia, 9 with cardiac disease, 3 with pulmonary disease, 3 with renal insufficiency and 17 with sleep apnea). Average operative time was 86 minutes, average hospitalization was 2.9 days. No major complication (leak or death) was found. Average BMI was significantly reduced at 6 months and 1 year (%EWL of 32.1 % and 54.8 % respectively) and comorbid medical conditions improved in 86.7% of patients. Conclusions: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be safely implemented and effective in older patients (=or>65 years), producing significant EWL, with a notable improvement of chronic health conditions.

Biography

Pierre Y Garneau is a bariatric surgeon since 16 years; well know to perform any type or revision procedure. He is the chief of the General Surgery at Sacré-Coeur Hospital and responsible of the bariatric fellow program at the University of Montreal. He has published many papers in reputed journals and he is a member of many societies. He did presentation in many national or international conferences.

Email: pierrre.y.garneau@sympatico.ca