Five-year results after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective study.

Background: Whilst the early to mid-term efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is well established, there is comparatively less detailing of long-term efficacy. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing SG at the authors' institution.

Methods: All patients undergoing SG during the past 5 or more years were eligible. Outcomes included baseline demographic data, preoperative characteristics, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), co-morbidity improvement and resolution, serum hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)), serum lipid profile, and the Bariatric Analysis Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) questionnaire. A subset analysis was also performed with patients stratified in to super obese (body mass index ≥ 50 kg/m(2)).

Results: There were 96 patients who underwent surgery between March 2007 and July 2008. Of these, 10 declined to participate, 28 were unable to be contacted, and 3 were deceased; therefore, 55 patients were included in the analysis. The mean yearly %EWL to postoperative year 5 was 56% (year 1), 55% (year 2), 46% (year 3), 43% (year 4), and 40% (year 5). Combined improvement and resolution rates at 5 years were 79%, 61%, and 73% for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. The HbA(1c) was significantly reduced at long-term follow-up. The mean BAROS score was 3.13 (95% CI: 2.4, 3.9). Weight loss outcomes were less favorable in super obese patients.

Conclusion: Weight loss outcomes at 5 year follow-up were modest after SG though improvement in co-morbidity status was maintained.