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. 2004 Sep;14(8):1056-61.
doi: 10.1381/0960892041975541.

Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass is a safe and effective operation for the treatment of morbid obesity in patients older than 55 years

Pavlos K Papasavas  1 , Daniel J Gagné, John Kelly, Philip F Caushaj
Affiliations

Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass is a safe and effective operation for the treatment of morbid obesity in patients older than 55 years

Pavlos K Papasavas et al. Obes Surg. 2004 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery in patients >50 years has been controversial. We investigated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) in patients >55 years of age.

Methods: Prospective data on 71 patients (54 females and 17 males) undergoing LRYGBP were reviewed. The patients were followed for a mean of 17 months (range 2-35 months).

Results: The mean age was 59 years (range 55-67 years), and the mean preoperative BMI was 50.2 kg/m2 (range 37-65 kg/m2). There were no conversions to open technique. Mean percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 20%, 48%, 64% and 67% at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. 89% of patients had at least a 50% EWL at 1 year postoperatively. There was a significant decrease in the number of patients requiring medical treatment for co-morbidities associated with morbid obesity: diabetes mellitus 87%, hypertension 70% and sleep apnea 86%. There was no inpatient mortality. 1 patient died suddenly 2 weeks postoperatively of possible myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. 16 patients developed 22 complications. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days.

Conclusion: LRYGBP is a safe and well-tolerated surgical option for the treatment of morbid obesity in patients >55 years old. These patients demonstrate a satisfactory weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities.

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