Comparison of weight loss and metabolic syndrome parameters between sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A propensity score analysis.

Introduction: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has positioned itself as the leading bariatric technique worldwide, surpassing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), its possible inferiority in terms of weight and metabolic results remains controversial. The of this study was to compare the response of both techniques in terms of weight loss and obesity-related metabolic complications.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who had undergone LSG and LRYGB in our center from 2013 to 2022. Patient characteristics, postoperative complications, postoperative weight loss and evolution of comorbidities were recorded. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to homogenize the 2 intervention groups for body mass index (BMI) and preoperative metabolic syndrome.

Results: Out of the 354 patients who met the selection criteria, 309 patients were ultimately included in the study (172 LSG and 137 LRYGB); mean age was 45.8 ± 9.5 years; 205 were women (66.3%). Median BMI was 47 (interquartile range = 42.8 - 52.9). After propensity score matching, 118 patients remained in each group. BMI trajectories during the first 3 years of follow-up after the 2 types of surgery showed no significant differences (P = .693). One month after treatment, there were also no differences in postoperative metabolic syndrome parameters or complication rates (P = .866).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that sleeve gastrectomy provides a similar weight and metabolic response to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with similar BMI and metabolic syndrome characteristics.