Published in:
01-01-2015 | Original Contributions
The Efficacy of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Treating Adolescent Obesity
Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 1/2015
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Background
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is becoming a popular and preferred primary bariatric intervention; however, its applicability in the adolescent age group remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of SG in treating obesity and its co-morbidities among adolescents.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted of patients aged 12–21 who underwent SG from 2008 to 2012 at Amiri Hospital, Kuwait. The major outcome measures were percent excess weight loss (%EWL) over a 2-year follow-up period, resolution of co-morbidities, and occurrence of complications.
Results
A total of 135 adolescent patients underwent the procedure, of which, 97 (71.9 %) were females. The patients had a median age of 19 years (range 12–21), mean body mass index of 48.5 kg/m2, and mean follow-up period of 20 ± 11.4 months. The %EWL at 2 years for males and females was 84 and 77 %, respectively. All of the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 75 % of those with hypertension showed complete resolution of the disease at 2 years.
Conclusion
SG seems to be an effective and safe bariatric procedure in obese adolescents, as it can significantly decrease excess body weight and reduce co-morbidities in a relatively short period of time.