Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Patients with Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Meta-analysis

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on patients with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published prior to December 2, 2022. Meta-analysis was performed on menstrual irregularity, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), glucolipid metabolism indicators, and body mass index (BMI) following SG.

Results: Six studies and 218 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Following SG, menstrual irregularity significantly decreased (odds ratio [OR] 0.03; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.00-0.24; P=0.001). Additionally, SG can lower total testosterone levels (MD -0.73; 95% CIs -0.86-0.60; P< 0.0001), as well as BMI (MD -11.59; 95% CIs -13.10-10.08; P<0.0001). A significant increase was observed in the levels of SHBG and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) after SG. In addition to reducing fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein levels, SG significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein levels as well.

Conclusions: Following SG, we firstly demonstrated significant improvements in menstrual irregularity, testosterone and SHGB levels, glycolipid metabolism indicators, and BMI. Therefore, SG may be considered as a new option for the clinical treatment of patients with obesity and PCOS.