Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), is safe and effective, and has established itself as reliable primary bariatric procedure of choice. Although most of the bariatric procedures in Australia are performed in private setting, our institution has a unique set-up where both public and private patients have access to bariatric surgical services. All the procedures were performed by two surgeons with same technique and following standardised preop and postop protocol.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to compare the differences in outcome after LSG performed as primary bariatric procedure between public and private patients at our institution.
Method:
Data was collected prospectively, using prospective online data registry, of all patients undergoing LSG as primary bariatric procedure between January 2015 to December 2015 at Joondalup Health Campus. Outcomes analysed were in terms of body mass index (BMI), percentage excess weight loss (%EWL) and comorbidity resolution .Surgical success was defined as %EWL >=50 at 12 month follow up.
Results:
A total of 276 primary LSG were performed during the study period; 154 public and 122 private patients. The mean BMI at surgery was 49.5 and 43.3 [p- value 0.010 ] .Out of 276 patients , 178 attended follow up at 12 month , 98 (63.6 %) public and 80 (65.5%) private. Mean % EWL at 12 month follow up was 74.45 and 82.19[ p-value 0.103].Co morbidity resolution was not statistically significant between the two groups.
Conclusion:
LSG is effective bariatric procedure associated with significant weight reduction and in our study there was no significant difference in outcomes between the public and private patients.