Published in:
01-02-2021 | Sleeve Gastrectomy | Original Contributions
Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Cardiovascular System in Obese Cases with Pulmonary Hypertension
Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 2/2021
Login to get accessAbstract
Introduction and Aim
Recently, the incidence of obesity has been rising exponentially. Clinical studies have demonstrated that different subtypes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) are linked to obesity. The current work mainly aims to assess the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on PH in a cohort of obese cases.
Patients and Methods
The present prospective work included 37 obese cases with PH for whom LSG was done. Only cases with PH and presurgical right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) ≥ 35 mmHg using Doppler echocardiogram were enrolled. Fifteen months later, patients were reassessed regarding new weight and BMI in addition to changes in RVSP.
Results
At the end of follow-up, the average BMI improved from 45.8 + 3.9 to 33.8 + 2.5 Kg/m2 (p value < 0.001). Improved right ventricular (RV) size compared to baseline echo was observed in 20 patients. RV size decreased from 2.68 + 0.44 cm to 2.34 + 0.36 cm (p value < 0.001). Notable decrease of PH to less than 30 mmHg occurred in 33 patients. Mean RVSP decreased from 39.62 + 2.1 to 31.81 + 3.1 mmHg (p value < 0.001). LSG significantly decreased the requirements for PH drugs and supplemental oxygen therapy.
Conclusion
The current work suggests that LSG-induced weight loss may result in a considerable decrease in pulmonary pressures as well as RV size with a concurrent resolution of other metabolic comorbidities.