Effectiveness and Safety of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Elderly PatientsSystematic Review and Meta-analysis

IntroductionAs the population ages, there is more interest in bariatric surgery for older patients. There are controversies regarding the safety and effectiveness of surgical weight loss in this population.AimThe aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients over the age of 60years with younger patients.MethodsThe available literature was searched for eligible studies up to February 2018. Inclusion criteria were reports on mortality, morbidity, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), remission of diabetes, remission of hypertension, and remission of obstructive sleep apnea. Random effects meta-analyses were performed.ResultsThe initial search yielded 2000 references. The final meta-analysis involved nine studies and revealed significant differences in mortality (odds ratio 4.38, 95% confidence interval [1.25, 15.31], p=0.02), morbidity (OR 1.88, CI [1.07, 3.30], p=0.03), %EWL (mean difference -5.86, 95% CI [-9.15, -2.56], p<0.001), and remission of comorbidities.ConclusionHigher mortality and morbidity were found in the group of older patients. The analysis suggested lower effectiveness of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for weight loss and improvement in comorbidity in older patients when compared with younger patients.