Resolution of chronic medical conditions after laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding for the treatment of morbid obesity in the elderly

Background: The routine cutoff age of surgery for morbid obesity is 55 years. A minimally invasive surgical approach, however, may enable its safe use in older individuals. Methods: Laparoscopic adjustable silicon gastric banding (LASGB) was performed in 18 patients 60 years or older. The perioperative course, early and late complications, and long-term follow-up all were recorded. Results: Of 398 patients who underwent LASBG until November 1998 (mean age, 38.1 years), 18 were 60 years or older (mean, 63.6 years). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 44.4 (range, 35-64.7). There were no intraoperative complications. However, four patients had late complications requiring reoperation. The mean operative time was 65 min; the mean hospital stay was 1.3 days; and the mean follow-up period was 21.9 months. The BMI dropped from 44.2 to 30.5, and all comorbid conditions improved markedly: Diabetes mellitus resolved in 71% of the patients, hypertension in 33%, and sleep apnea in 100%. Conclusion: According to the findings from this study, LASGB is feasible, safe, and effective in the elderly, and most benefit from resolution or marked improvement of comorbid conditions.