Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbidly obese adolescents in Singapore

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) outcomes among adolescents and factors associated with adolescent obesity in Singapore were evaluated. METHODS Prospectively collected data of patients aged 16-19 years who underwent LSG was retrospectively reviewed. A lifestyle questionnaire, Berlin and Epworth scores, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were collected. Preoperative anthropometrics, comorbidities, weight loss and body composition outcomes were recorded. RESULTS Among 208 LSGs, 13 (6.3%) were performed on obese adolescents. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) at first presentation were 19.1 +/- 0.9 (range 16.8-19.8) years and 46.2 +/- 6.3 (range 36-57) kg/m(2), respectively. There was family history of obesity (n = 7) and regular consumption of high-calorie drinks (n = 12). Most patients had comorbidities (n = 12), including hypertension (n = 5), asthma (n = 4), diabetes mellitus (n = 3), hernia (n = 3) and obstructive sleep apnoea requiring continuous positive airway pressure support (n = 3). At one year, excess weight loss was 64.3% +/- 34.7% (range 21.8%-101.5%), while BMI and fat mass dropped to 31.2 +/- 7.6 (range 23-40) kg/m(2) and 17.4 kg, respectively. Pain score was 2/10 at 24 hours after surgery. Mean postoperative stay was 2.7 days. No complications or readmissions occurred. Remission of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was reported in two of three and four of five adolescents, respectively, within one year of surgery. CONCLUSION LSG is a safe option for adolescents with good short-term weight loss outcomes and remission of metabolic comorbid conditions.