Pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy among obese patients

Abstract

Objective: To analyze pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) according to body mass index (BMI) at conception and the interval between LSG and pregnancy.

Methods: In a retrospective study, data were obtained for all women who became pregnant after LSG at a center in France between December 2001 and December 2011. Frequencies of perinatal events according to BMI at conception and the interval between LSG and pregnancy were compared.

Results: A total of 63 pregnancies occurring in 54 patients were included, among which 52 (83%) occurred after the first postoperative year and 26 (41%) in women who remained obese. Compared with women who were no longer obese at conception, women who were still obese delivered neonates of significantly lower gestational age at birth (P=0.02) and birth weight (P=0.001). Odds of preterm delivery were also increased (odds ratio 4.37, 95% confidence interval 1.17-16.27; P=0.03). Maternal and neonatal outcomes according to the interval between LSG and pregnancy did not differ significantly.

Conclusion: Women who remain obese following LSG are at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including low gestational age at birth, low birth weight, and preterm delivery, and should be regarded as a risk group.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; Maternal outcomes; Neonatal outcomes; Obesity; Pregnancy.