Long-term effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on metabolic syndrome in patients with morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Diseases associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, and dyslipidemia are common and together are defined as metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in morbidly obese patients with MetS.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study of data from a prospective database in a single center from 2005 to 2013 including 3795 LRYGB operated obese patients. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation Consensus Definition of Metabolic Syndrome from 2006.

RESULTS: In the study population, 79% of the patients were women, the preoperative median age was 42.4 years, and median body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was 40.9. MetS was diagnosed in 60% of the patients (2275/3795), with increased frequency in men and in those with higher age, higher BMI, and greater waist circumference; 27.5% of patients had impaired glucose metabolism, 40% hypertension, and 30% dyslipidemia. Postoperative follow-up rate>5 years was 71% (595/839). We found that 86.2% had resolution of MetS. After 5-9 years, complete remission of T2D was achieved in 78%, hypertension in 51%, and dyslipidemia in 89%. Mean excess BMI loss was significantly lower for patients with MetS (73.1%) compared with patients without MetS (75.6%) (P<.01). Early complications (leakage or hemorrhage) occurred in 1.2% (48/3975) and internal hernia in 7.8% (310/3975). Presence of MetS did not increase complication rates.

CONCLUSION: LRYGB in obese patients is associated with a significant and sustained reduction in excessive weight. In the present study, 86.2% of patients with MetS achieved complete remission and complication rates were low. Early bariatric surgery should be considered in patients with obesity and concurrent MetS.