Efficacy and Safety of Bariatric Surgery in Well-Compensated Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and a Single-Arm Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

The global rise in obesity and liver disease underscores the significance of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) in treating severe obesity and improving liver function. Although liver failure is often considered a contraindication for elective surgeries, the role of bariatric surgery in patients with compensated cirrhosis has been increasingly explored.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane without temporal restrictions, in January 2025 for randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis evaluated BMS's efficacy and safety in patients with cirrhosis by analyzing 26 studies with 22,489 participants. Mortality was 3.33% (95% CI [2.06; 5.35]; I2 = 96.7%). Early postoperative complications were 14.0% (95% CI [7.56; 24.49]; I2 = 90.3%). Patients with cirrhosis had a significant weight loss after 1 year of follow-up (MD -43.06 kg; 95% CI [-70.93; -15.19]; P < 0.0001; I2 = 94.0%), BMI (MD -10.79 kg/m2; 95% CI [-14.45,-7.12]; P < 0.01; I2 = 66.2%), excess weight loss in percentage-EWL% 62.81% (95% CI [52.56; 73.96]; I2 = 78%) and total weight loss in percentage TWL% (26.43% 95% CI [23.89; 28.96]; I2 = 69.3%). The length of stay was 3.77 days ( 95% CI [3.13; 4.42]; I2 = 99.1%).

CONCLUSION

Despite increased perioperative risks, mortality remained low, and patients with compensated cirrhosis achieved substantial weight and metabolic improvements, supporting BMS's safety and benefits with proper patient selection.