The Impact of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass on Comorbidities and Quality of Life in the Older Obese Patients (Age > 60): Our UK Experience.

BACKGROUND

With population ageing, more older patients would benefit from the reduced comorbidities associated with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). However, health care providers are still reluctant to offer bariatric surgery to older obese patients due to the perceived increased risk and possible reduced benefit. Here, we report the outcomes of first UK series of LRYGB in patients (> 60 years) with emphasis on quality of life (QoL).

SETTING

University hospital.

METHODS

Data was collected prospectively on all patients aged > 60 years undergoing LRYGB between 2006 and 2011. Patients had a minimum 1-year follow-up. Data related to weight loss, peri-operative complications and obesity-related morbidity (ORM) was collected. Patients' QoL was assessed by postal questionnaire.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients with a median age of 63 (60-71) underwent LRYGB with a median follow-up of 23 (12-55) months. There was a significant drop in patients' BMI [mean (SD) 47.5 (6.2) to 31.2 (4.4) kg/m]. Patients had an average 69% (SD 17%) excess weight loss and 34% (SD 10%) total body weight loss. The median hospital stay was 3 (1-16) with 13% peri-operative morbidity and no mortality. There was a 25% (30/123) resolution and 54% (66/123) 'improvement' in ORM. The QoL score increased significantly in several domains particularly physical performance (2.8 to 8.0, p < 0.001), self-esteem (3.6 to 8.3, p < 0.001) and mobility (2.9 to 7.5, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LRYGB in patients aged > 60 years can be performed safely and with weight loss comparable to younger patients. There is associated benefit in reducing ORM and substantial improvement in QoL.