Effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss and obesity-associated co-morbidities: a 3-year outcome from Mainland Chinese patients

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming a stand-alone bariatric surgery for obesity, but its effectiveness for Mainland Chinese patients remains unclear.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LSG for Mainland Chinese patientsSettingA tertiary hospitalMethodsRetrospective analysis of patients admitted for LSG between January 2011 and February 2012 was performed. Medium-term outcome measures were: total weight loss (%TWL), excess weight loss (%EWL), co-morbidities, improvement, and complications.ResultsSeventy patients (body mass index [BMI] 40.8±5.9 kg/m2) underwent LSG, comprising 40 women and 30 men. The most common co-morbidity was diabetes (n = 29, 41.4%). Lost to follow-up rate for weight loss was 15.7%, 31.4%, and 41% at 1, 2, and 3 years. The %TWL was 34.4±6.1, 34.7±6.2 and 33.7±7.1 at 1, 2, and 3 years. The %EWL increased to 77.1±13.0, 77.9±12.2 and 77.2±13.1 at 1, 2, and 3years. The proportions of patients having successful weight loss were 100% or 85% at 3 years according the definition of %TWL>10% or %EWL>50%. Approximately 79.3%, 51.7%, and 44.8% of patients completed follow-up for glycemic control at each time point, respectively. The proportions of patients with optimal glycemic control (fasting blood glucose [FBG]<5.6 mmol/L; hemoglobin A1C [HbA1C]<6.5%) were 47.9%, 60.0%, and 69.2% at 1, 2, and 3years. The weight loss and glycemic control effect may be greater in the high BMI group (≥40 kg/m2). Early and late complications occurred in 8.6% and 7.1% of patients during follow-up.ConclusionsLSG is effective in weight loss and glycemic control and is safe for Mainland Chinese obese patients, especially for patients with a BMI≥40 kg/m2.