The Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for the Treatment of Obesity: A Single-Center Experience

Background: Obesity is a long-standing health issue in Saudi Arabia, known to be associated with various complications. The management of obesity encompasses both non-surgical and surgical interventions, such as sleeve gastrectomy. Although sleeve gastrectomy is one of the effective options for individuals with morbid obesity, it is not without potential complications. This study aims to examine the outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on adult patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at King Fahad General Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2017 and July 2022. Results: Among the 561 adult patients in the study, 53.5% were classified as having class III obesity, and 74.2% had comorbidities. Complications observed following the procedure included leaking (3.2%), symptomatic gallstone disease (2.9%), internal hernia (1.8%), and readmission (2.1%). There were no cases of bleeding, aspiration pneumonia, or mortality reported. Leakage and gallstone disease were more prevalent among patients classified as class I and II obesity, respectively, while internal hernia and readmission were more frequently observed in patients with class III obesity. Conclusion: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a viable procedure for managing obesity, as it is associated with minimal complications and no recorded mortality.