There are few publications in the literature reporting the outcome of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in the elderly population. From November 2001 to March 2007, 708 LAGB procedures were performed by two surgeons at Loyola University Medical Center. Twenty-one of the 708 patients were age 65 or older at the time of operation (65 – 74). This subgroup was surveyed retrospectively and 17 of 21 patients (81%) responded. Data gathered from the questionnaires were used to calculate Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) scores, based on percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL), improvement in medical condition and improvement in quality of life (QOL). There was no mortality or major morbidity in this subset of patients. One patient underwent band removal for treatment of band intolerance. The average %EWL was 40.3% (15% – 83%). Twelve patients (71%) had improvement in pre-existing co-morbidities. Twelve patients (71%) also had an increase in QOL scores. Thirteen patients (76%) had “fair” to “very good” BAROS scores with 2 patients (12%) in the ‘very good’ group, 8 (47%) in the ‘good’ group and 3 (17%) in the ‘fair’ group. Four patients (24%) were in the ‘failure’ group. Our data suggests that LAGB is a safe and effective procedure for morbidly obese elderly over 65 years of age.
Session: Poster
Program Number: P012