Early improvement in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome after metabolic surgery may be independent of the benefits of weight loss

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the clinical curative effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 21 obese PCOS patients who underwent LSG. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometry, glucose metabolic parameters, lipid metabolic parameters, and sex hormone index were documented and analyzed at baseline and 6 months after LSG. The changes of PCOS-related symptoms, including menstruation disorders, lack of ovulation and conception, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans, were documented after LSG. Results: 90% of the patients recovered their normal menstrual cycle and ovulation within 3 months post-surgery. At 6 months after LSG, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Conversely, the insulin sensitivity index was significantly increased (P < 0.001). Triglyceride and uric acid levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), whereas high-density lipoprotein was significantly increased (P < 0.001). The testosterone level was also significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Body weight and body mass index were significantly decreased at 6 months after LSG (P < 0.001). Conclusion: LSG can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of PCOS patients in the early period, which may be independent of longterm weight loss.