Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese adolescents: Initial experience of a Pediatric Multidisciplinary Unit

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a significant health problem worldwide, associated with significant metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity. Recent evidence points to metabolic and bariatric surgery as a safe and effective treatment for morbidly obese adolescents. We aim to report the initial results after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for adolescent patients in a pediatric center.

Material and methods: Retrospective data review of patients younger than 19 years who underwent LSG for treatment of morbid obesity between 2013 and 2019.

Results: A total of 16 adolescents (12 female, 4 male) with a median age of 17.5 years underwent LSG. Median preoperative weight and body mass index were 129kg and 48.6kg/m^-2, respectively. All patients had at least one comorbidity. Median follow-up was 18.5 months. The overall percent total weight loss was 32.5% and percent excess weight loss was 68%. Resolution of comorbidities was noted in the majority of patients. No perioperative complications were reported.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective option for treatment of morbidly obese adolescents, resulting in significant weight loss and comorbidity resolution with a low risk of complications.