Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is a commonly performed surgical intervention for morbid obesity. Some authors considered age > or =55 years as a relative contraindication to bariatric surgery. We examined the operative outcomes, weight loss, hospital stay and resolution of co-morbidities in patients > or =55 years old compared with those <55 years old undergoing LRYGBP.
Methods: From Jan 2000 to Feb 2005, 350 LRYGBPs were performed. 48 patients > or =55 years old (13.7%) were compared to the remaining patients.
Results: Analysis of the 48 patients > or =55 years old compared with 302 patients <55 revealed no difference in complication rate, although the older patients had a significantly greater percentage of serious complications. Younger patients lost more weight than older patients. Both groups demonstrated resolution of comorbidities, although the difference was not significant.
Conclusions: LRYGBP is safe and well tolerated in morbidly obese patients > or =55 years. The older patients had more serious complications and lost less weight; however, their weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities improved their quality of life. Age should not be a contraindication to bariatric surgery.