Comparison of short-term outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass in the treatment of morbid obesity: A prospective randomized controlled multicenter SLEEVEPASS study with 6-month follow-up

Background and Aims: The long-term efficacy of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the treatment of morbid obesity has already been demonstrated. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has shown promising short-term results, but the long-term efficacy is still unclear. The aim of this prospective randomized multicenter study is to compare the results of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Material and Methods: A total of 240 morbidly obese patients were randomized to undergo either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The primary end point of study was weight loss, and the secondary end points were resolution of comorbidities and morbidity. The short-term results at 6 months were analyzed. Results: The mean excess weight loss at 6 months was 49.2% in the sleeve gastrectomy group and 52.9% in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group (p = 0.086). Type 2 diabetes was resolved or improved in 84.3% of patients in the sleeve gastrectomy group and 93.3% in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group (p = 0.585). The corresponding results for arterial hypertension were 76.8% and 81.9% (p = 0.707) and for hypercholesterolemia 64.1% and 69.0% (p = 0.485). There was no mortality at 6 months. There was one major complication following sleeve gastrectomy and two after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (p = 0.531). Eight sleeve gastrectomy patients and 11 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients had minor complications (p = 0.403). Conclusion: The short-term results of sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass regarding weight loss, resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and complications were not different at 6 months.