Metabolic outcomes after revisional bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: It has been well-established that primary bariatric surgery is effective in inducing improvement of diabetes and other associated co-morbidities in patients with obesity. Evidence demonstrating the influence of revisional bariatric surgery on this trajectory, however, is lacking.

Objectives: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the impact of revisional bariatric surgery on obesity-related metabolic outcomes.

Setting: University Hospital, Singapore METHODS: We examined outcomes of remission and improvement of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea. Revisional surgeries included sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, pouch revision, duodenal switch, and minigastric bypass.

Results: Our search identified 33 relevant studies including a total of 1593 patients. Meta-analysis of proportions demonstrated a 92% improvement in diabetes with 50% achieving remission after revisional bariatric surgery. Of patients, 81% achieved improvement of hypertension with 33% achieving complete remission. In both groups, the highest proportion of improvement was observed after revisional duodenal switch. Although reported by fewer studies, a remission of hyperlipidemia was reported in 37% of patients and improvement of obstructive sleep apnea was seen in 86% of patients.

Conclusions: Revisional bariatric surgery improves the outcomes of obesity-related co-morbidities and should be considered in patients with persistent metabolic disease after primary bariatric surgery.