Early Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Outcomes in Terms of Weight Loss.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in terms of weight loss. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from January 2009 to January 2015. METHODOLOGY A total of 100 consecutive patients were included in the study through retrospective chart review. A5-port technique was utilized with the gastric sleeve being created using endostapler. Postoperatively, patients gradually progressed from clear liquid diet and oral rehydration salts to nutritional supplements over three days. By two weeks postoperatively, patients had progressed to a solid diet. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis. Body mass index (BMI) and weight in kg were determined. RESULTS From 100 patients, 17 were lost to follow-up less than a week into the postoperative period. Of the remaining, average age of the patients was 34.7 ±11.3 years at the time of surgery. The majority of patients were females (72%). Mean preoperative and postoperative BMI was 45.3 ±10.4 kg/m2 and 35.0 ±10 kg/m2, respectively. Of the 83 patients, 62 were followed-up for longer than 1 month (average 419 days). For patients in this category, mean reduction in BMI was 10.3 ±6.5 kg/m2 with average weight loss of 34.3 ±18.2 kg. There were no mortalities associated with LSG. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective intervention in young Pakistani females with encouraging outcomes at a mean follow-up of over one year.