Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in obese adolescents: results in 51 patients.

Background: Adolescent obesity has become an important health problem. Bariatric surgery in this population continues to be a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to present our experience and results with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in obese adolescents at the digestive surgery department of the Hospital Clínico Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Methods: Obese adolescent patients <19 years old underwent LSG from January 2006 to October 2009. The percentage of excess weight loss and quality of life were analyzed.

Results: A total of 51 patients aged <19 years underwent LSG. Of these, 80.4% were girls and aged 15-19 years (mean age 18 ± 1.45). The mean preoperative weight and body mass index was 98 ± 13.3 kg and 38.5 ± 3.7 kg/m(2), respectively. Of these patients, 76% had preoperative co-morbidities, including insulin resistance in 59.2%, dyslipidemia in 23.5%, hepatic steatosis in 16%, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in 3.9%. The operative time was 69 ± 24 minutes, with a 2.8 ± 20.6-day postoperative hospital stay. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. One patient had a suture line leak that required both endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment. The percentage of excess weight loss at 6 months and 1 and 2 years was 94.6%, 96.2%, and 92.9%, respectively. Of the 76% of patients with preoperative co-morbidities, all resolved or improved their condition. In the quality of life survey (Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire) conducted, all reported very good or good quality of life after surgery (40% and 60%, respectively).

Conclusion: In our experience, LSG as a treatment of obese adolescent patients is safe, with good short-term weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities.