Effect of sleeve gastrectomy on cardiac inflammatory markers and early postoperative outcomes: A systematic review

Sleeve gastrectomies are widely used for weight loss and metabolic improvement in individuals with obesity. Although its effects on metabolic parameters are well established, its short-term impact on cardiac inflammatory markers and cardiovascular outcomes has not been clearly defined. This review examined how sleeve gastrectomy influences markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin, and leptin hormones, along with associated cardiovascular indicators. We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA guidelines. Articles published from January 2012 to January 2025 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Eligible studies included clinical trials and cohort studies involving adults who underwent sleeve gastrectomy with follow-up data on inflammatory or cardiovascular markers. Twenty-six studies involving 1269 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most studies have shown reductions in CRP and leptin levels within the 1 st year after surgery. TNF-α and IL-6 showed variable changes, whereas adiponectin increased in several reports. Improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles are common. A few studies have also reported early changes in cardiac structure or vascular markers. Sleeve gastrectomy is associated with the early improvement of systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the short follow-up duration, variations in measurement techniques, and limited cardiac imaging restrict broader conclusions. Further research is needed to clarify the long-term cardiovascular effects and standardize the assessment of inflammatory outcomes.