Publication:

Comparison of the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in adults and adolescents

Background Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide regardless of age. Bariatric surgery is highly effective both in the treatment of obesity and in the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is gaining popularity in both adolescents and the elderly.

Methods A total of 64 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, aged under 19 and older 65 between March 2013 and December 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Demographic characteristics were recorded in all patients.

Results Between March 2013 and December 2019, 64 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. Fourty-five patients were smaller than 19 years old and 19 patients were older than 65 years old. After 1-year follow-up, there was a significant improvement in glucose, insulin level, excess weight loss and body mass index in both groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in insulin levels (p=0.2) and body mass index (p=0.94) between two groups.

Conclusions Careful patient selection after adequate risk versus benefit evaluation by an expert multidisciplinary team is essential. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an effective treatment for obesity and its related comorbidities in both adolescents and adults.