Outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents

Purpose of review The review summarizes the recent studies of bariatric surgery outcomes in adolescents. Recent findings Randomized prospective studies demonstrate superior weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and improvement in quality of life in morbidly obese adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery vs. lifestyle changes alone. The enthusiasm for laparoscopic adjustable banding (LAGB) has been tempered by high reoperation rates. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a promising procedure for adolescents because it avoids intestinal bypass and implantation of a foreign body; recent data from adult series demonstrate mid-term results comparable with laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with an improved safety profile. Summary Bariatric surgery is superior to lifestyle changes alone in treating adolescent morbid obesity. LRYGB remains the gold-standard operation for both adolescents and adults. Although LAGB and LSG are appealing because they avoid intestinal bypass, long-term studies are needed to fully evaluate their efficacy and safety in the adolescent population.