Quality of Life Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in a Regional Centre 


Emma Thomas, Dr Denbigh Symond, Dr Nicholas Williams, Dr Alexa Seal, Dr Richard Harrison 

Background

Health-related quality of life outcomes [HRQoL] are used to assess the effectiveness of bariatric surgery.

Current studies focused on patients in major cities, despite the high prevalence of obesity in rural areas.

Aim

To compare effects of different bariatric surgical procedures (LSG, OAGB, RYGB) on HRQoL outcomes and GI symptoms in patients from a regional centre.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in a regional hospital between March 2018 - June 2019 was conducted. All patients who had undergone a 6 month review were included. Results from the SF36, Structured assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms [SAGIS] questionnaire and weight loss outcomes pre and post-operatively were analysed.

Results

Patients (n=94; 75 LSG, 13 OAGB, 6 RYGB) achieved an average 67.2% EWL, BMI was reduced from 45.3 ± 8.0 to  35.0 ± 23.9 (p<0.001). There was no difference in BMI between surgical groups at any point.

Improvements in all 8 domains of the SF36 were observed, regardless of surgical procedure (p<0.001). There was no difference in HRQoL between groups at baseline.  

All patients experienced earlier satiety, loss of appetite, fewer loose stools, less bloating, increased nausea and feelings of sickness post-operatively.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery performed in a regional centre, significantly improved HRQoL at 6months post-op, regardless of surgery type. GI symptom development did not negatively impact HRQoL.