title: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe and effective in elderly patients: a comparative analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is gaining widespread popularity as a definitive bariatric operation that provides satisfactory and durable weight loss as well as comorbidity resolution. Although SG is being increasingly offered to patients of all ages, there is a paucity of reported outcomes in patients ≥62 years of age. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the outcomes of SG in patients >62 years versus a younger age group, with an emphasis on safety and efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was performed from a prospectively collected database on patients who underwent SG from 2007 to 2012. All patients who were ≥62 years old were compared to those <62 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 182 patients who underwent SG, 17 of whom were ≥62 years old. There were no significant differences in demographics or comorbidity characteristics between the groups. The mean follow-up was 1 year. There was no 30-day mortality in either group. The percent excess weight loss for the younger age group was 44 ± 21 % and the older group was 44 ± 25 %. The percent total body weight loss was 22 ± 10 and 21 ± 10 %, respectively. Weight loss outcomes were maintained for up to 3 years. Comorbidity resolution and improvement rates were equivalent in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SG is safe and effective in patients ≥62 years. Weight loss and the beneficial effects on comorbidities are equivalent among elderly and younger patients. SG should be offered to elderly patients who are deemed to be appropriate candidates.
authors.affiliation: Genesis Health Group, 855 Illini Drive, Suite 401, Silvis, IL, 61282, USA, maburchett@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Burchett
authors.forename: Daniel T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.forename: Don J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Selzer
authors.forename: Jennifer H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Samer G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Mattar
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss