Three-Year Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy at King Khalid General Hospital, Hafar Al-Batin

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most frequently performed bariatric procedures worldwide, with proven efficacy in weight loss and comorbidity resolution. However, long-term outcome data from specialized centers in Saudi Arabia are limited. Objectives: To evaluate the three-year outcomes of LSG performed at a specialized bariatric center, focusing on weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and postoperative complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 50 patients who underwent LSG between January 2020 and December 2021 at King Khalid General Hospital, Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. Data included demographics, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and complications. Patients were followed for 3 years. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Of the 50 patients (15 males, 35 females; mean age 36 ± 9 years), mean BMI decreased from 42 ± 5.1 kg/m² to 30 ± 3.8 kg/m² at 3 years (%EWL: 71%). Comorbidities included type 2 diabetes mellitus (14%), hypertension (26%), hypertriglyceridemia (22%), and osteoarthritis knee pain (2%). Complete resolution was observed in all affected patients. Complications occurred in 20%, including staple line leaks (10%), all in cases performed by a visiting surgeon, conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (6%), post-stent bleeding (2%), and vitamin B12 deficiency-related complications (2%). Conclusion: LSG at a specialized bariatric center produced sustained weight loss and resolved all recorded comorbidities at three years. The higher complication rate in cases performed by the visiting surgeon points to the importance of consistent surgical expertise.