Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass is a safe and effective operation for the treatment of morbid obesity in patients older than 55 years.
BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgery in patients >50 years has been controversial. We investigated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) in patients >55 years of age.


METHODS
Prospective data on 71 patients (54 females and 17 males) undergoing LRYGBP were reviewed. The patients were followed for a mean of 17 months (range 2-35 months).


RESULTS
The mean age was 59 years (range 55-67 years), and the mean preoperative BMI was 50.2 kg/m2 (range 37-65 kg/m2). There were no conversions to open technique. Mean percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 20%, 48%, 64% and 67% at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. 89% of patients had at least a 50% EWL at 1 year postoperatively. There was a significant decrease in the number of patients requiring medical treatment for co-morbidities associated with morbid obesity: diabetes mellitus 87%, hypertension 70% and sleep apnea 86%. There was no inpatient mortality. 1 patient died suddenly 2 weeks postoperatively of possible myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. 16 patients developed 22 complications. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days.


CONCLUSIONS
LRYGBP is a safe and well-tolerated surgical option for the treatment of morbid obesity in patients >55 years old. These patients demonstrate a satisfactory weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities.
Papasavas
Pavlos K
PK
Temple University School of Medicine Clinical Campus at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA. ppapasav@wpahs.org
Gagné
Daniel J
DJ
Kelly
John
J
Caushaj
Philip F
PF
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss