Safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients with severe systolic heart failure.

BACKGROUND

Morbid obesity (MO) is a risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF). The presence of MO impairs functional status and disqualifies patients for cardiac transplantation. Bariatric surgery (BAS) is a frontline, durable treatment for MO; however, the safety and efficacy of BAS in advanced CHF is unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that by utilizing a coordinated approach between an experienced surgical team and heart failure specialists, BAS is safe in patients with advanced systolic CHF and results in favorable outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 12 patients with MO (body mass index [BMI] 53 +/- 7 kg/m2) and systolic CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 22 +/- 7%, New York Heart Association [NYHA] class 2.9 +/- 0.7) who underwent BAS, and then compared outcomes with 10 matched controls (BMI 47.2 +/- 3.6 kg/m2, LVEF 24 +/- 7%, and NYHA class 2.4 +/- 0.7) who were given diet and exercise counseling.

RESULTS

At 1 y, hospital readmission in BAS patients was significantly lower than controls (0.4 +/- 0.8 versus 2.5 +/- 2.6, p = 0.04); LVEF improved significantly in BAS patients (35 +/- 15%, p = 0.005), but not in controls (29 +/- 14%, p = not significant [NS]). The NYHA class improved in BAS patients (2.3 +/- 0.5, p = 0.02), but deteriorated in controls (3.3 +/- 0.9, p = 0.02). One BAS patient was successfully transplanted, and another listed for transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is safe and effective in patients with MO and severe systolic CHF, and should be considered in patients who have failed conventional therapy to improve clinical status.