Weight Loss and Resolution of Comorbidities After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Review of Long-Term Results

Background and Aims: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has massively increased in numbers over the last decade and is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide today. The aim of this review is to evaluate SG in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities, based on data gained from the latest long-term studies available.Material and Methods: This review includes the results of any long-term studies on SG available at this point as well as a selection of short- and mid-term studies.Results: There are only a handful of studies on sleeve gastrectomy with long-term follow-up available at this point. Conversion rates in these long-term studies amount to up to one-third of their cohorts; however, excess weight loss in patients maintaining their sleeve is over 50%. Results on the resolution of comorbidities vary among the studies available today.Summary: Sleeve gastrectomy is a valid bariatric method but one has to be aware of its limitations.