The efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in treating adolescent obesity.

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/m(2), 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.