Background

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective intervention, and the recent introduction of semaglutide has generated interest in its potential impact on surgical outcomes.We compared the outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients who received semaglutide as part of a preoperative program with those who did not.

Methods

Among the 115 patients, 57 received semaglutide alongside a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) program for 30 days before surgery. The remaining 58 patients followed a VLCD without semaglutide. Patient characteristics, operative details, postoperative complications, and weight loss were analysed.

Results

Patients in the liraglutide group had a higher mean preoperative weight (230kg vs 206kg) and a greater prevalence of OSA (83% vs 78%) but lower rates of T2DM (10% vs 20%) and HTN (48%vs35%) compared to the non-semaglutide group. Semaglutide patients achieved a significant weight loss of 32 kgs in one month before surgery (from 230kg to 198 kgs) and exhibited a shorter operative time. They also achieved early mobilisation and notable weight loss at 3 and 6 months (47kg and 62kg, respectively). In comparison, the non-semaglutide group experienced weight loss of 29kg, 41kg, and 53kg at the same time intervals. Liquid diet tolerance (40%) was similar in both groups, while the semaglutide group preferred a pureed diet over soft foods. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation were slightly more common among semaglutide patients.

Conclusions

The addition of semaglutide in the preoperative regimen appears to have significant weight loss and postoperative recovery outcomes, although semaglutide patients experienced slightly more gastrointestinal side effects.