Efficacy and safety of bariatric revisions in patients older than 65 years old.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nBariatric surgery in advanced age patients (>65-years-old) has been proven safe and effective. Revisional bariatric surgery is infrequently required for cases of refractory obesity. However, there is a paucity of data regarding revisional surgery for the elderly. We hypothesize that revisional bariatric surgery is viable and safe in elderly patients.\n\n\nMETHODS\nRetrospective chart review of all bariatric revisions performed at two high-volume bariatric centers of excellence between 2011 and 2018. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between patients >65 and those <65-years-old.\n\n\nRESULTS\n145 bariatric revisions were performed for weight loss. 10% (N\xa0=\xa015) were >65 years old. There were no differences in mortality between the two groups There was a longer median length of stay in the younger cohort (2 vs 1 day, p\xa0=\xa00.001). Percent excess weight loss was similar at 12-months, as was resolution of comorbidities.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nBariatric revisions in elderly patients appears to be safe and effective. Revisional surgery in this population was not shown to have increased morbidity or mortality with similar excess body weight loss when compared to a younger cohort.