Bariatric Surgery in the Elderly Is Associated with Similar Surgical Risks and Significant Long-Term Health Benefits.

PURPOSE

Older age (> 60) has been considered a relative contraindication for bariatric surgery due to increased complication risk. This study examined the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery for patients older than 60 years in Canadian population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of the Ontario Bariatric Registry: a database recording peri-operative and post-operative outcomes of publicly funded bariatric surgeries across the province. Patients who completed 1 year follow-up, who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between January 2010 and May 2013, were divided into older (> 60) and younger (> 60) cohorts, and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Between January 2010 and May 2013, 3166 registry patients underwent LRYGB or LSG and completed 1-year follow-up. Of these, 204 (6.5%) were older than 60 years, with 175 (85.8%) undergoing LRYGB and 29 (14.2%) LSG. Demographics were similar, except for a higher number of males in the older group (59 (28.9%) versus 452 (15.3%) (p < 0.001)). No significant difference in complication rate was noted (15% for younger cohort versus 13.8% (p = 0.889)). The average percentage of excess weight loss was significantly higher in the younger population (60.72% versus 56.25% (p < 0.05)) overall, however not significantly in the LSG group. Reduction in medication use post-surgery for management of co-morbidities was significantly higher in the older patients (- 0.91 versus - 2.03 (p < 0.001)).

CONCLUSION

The older cohort who underwent LRYGB or LSG was at no greater risk for intra-operative and post-operative complications and showed greater reduction in medication use post-surgery when compared to the younger cohort.