Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass in patients age 60 and older.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery in patients over age 60 was previously not considered, due to higher risk. The author presents a study of patients ≥60 years who underwent laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB), to evaluate outcomes with follow-up to 6 years. METHODS: From 2007-2013, a prospectively maintained database was reviewed and patients ≥60 years were identified. Demographics evaluated included age, sex, weight, BMI, comorbidities, operative time, complications, length of stay (LOS) and %EWL up to 72 months. RESULTS: From 2007-2013, a total of 758 LMGBs were performed by one surgeon (CP). Eighty-eight (12%) were ≥60 years old, with 62% female. Mean age of this cohort at operation was 64 (60-74), and mean weight and BMI were 118 kg (78-171) and 43 kg/m(2) (33-61), respectively. Comorbidities were present in all patients, and one-third had previous abdominal operations. All patients underwent LMGB, without conversion to open. Mean operative time was 70 min (43-173). Only one patient required overnight ICU admission. Average LOS was 1.2 days (1-3). Overall complication rate was 4.5% (all minor); there were no major complications. Readmission rate was 1.2% (one patient). There was no surgical-related mortality. Follow-up to 90 days was 89%, but steadily declined to 42% at 6 years (72 months). The %EWL was 72% at 72 months. CONCLUSION: LMGB can be safely performed with good weight loss in patients ≥60 years old, despite numerous comorbidities and previous abdominal operations.