Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents A New Paradigm: Our Experience

Abstract

Background Obesity in adolescent patients is a public healthcare problem that has rapidly increased over time. Surgical procedures have been proposed as a solution for this pathology, but evidence of bariatric surgery outcomes in adolescent patients is scarce. We aimed to describe the characteristics, experience, and outcomes of our institution's adolescent patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2021. Methods A retrospective observational study with a prospective database was conducted. Adolescent patients who underwent bariatric procedures were included. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed. Baseline data and evolution were obtained and analyzed. The surgical analysis included intraoperative time, surgery, complications, and endoscopic findings. Post-operative follow-up was done for at least a 12-month period in all patients. Results 15 adolescent patients required bariatric surgery. The mean age of the patients was 17.5 years, 13.3 % were men and 86.7 % were women. Only 1 patient had history of diabetes and sleep apnea. Mean body mass index in the group was 42.46 kg/m² before intervention and 26.66 kg/m² year after surgery. Every patient got a GERD-Q score, under 5 points. With a satisfaction rate of 100% for weight loss. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusions Bariatric surgery is a safe procedure for weight loss, it’s feasible, replicable, and safe for adolescent patients. Follow-up is essential to measure GERD and weight loss maintenance.