Background
As the incidence of obesity among adolescents continues to rise, there is a concurrent increase in the utilization of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). The objective of this study is to assess the trend of MBS, obesity related comorbidities, in-hospital outcomes, and readmission in adolescent with severe obesity.
Methods
Patients with severe obesity aged 12-19 years old undergoing gastric bypass (GB) or sleeve gastrectomy were identified using national readmission database (NRD) 2016-2020 database. Sample weights recommended by HCUP was used for estimation. Cochran-Armitage and linear regression tests were used for trend analysis.
Results
A total of 7,458 adolescents underwent MBS (Sleeve gastrectomy: 6114 and GB:1344). The annual trend of MBS showed a continuous rise, from 1,346 (0.14%) in 2016 to 1,393 (0.16%) in 2020 (p < 0.001). In patient underwent MBS, the trend of hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, NAFLD and GERD was increasing (p < 0.001). In addition, mean LOS decreased significantly from 1.8 days in 2016 to 1.5 days in 2020 (p<0.001). On the other hand, total hospital charges significantly increased from 47,677$ in 2016 to 56,132$ in 2020 (p<0.001). A total of 194 and 283 patients had 30 days and 90 days readmission, respectively. The causes of 90 days readmission are shown in Figure 1.
Conclusions
The utilization of MBS in adolescents is on the rise, demonstrating a commendable safety profile characterized by low rates of complications and readmissions.