Outcomes in bariatric surgery in the older patient population in Texas

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of morbid obesity is still increasing. Whether the safety of bariatric operations can span over a broad range of age groups is uncertain. This study evaluated the outcomes in gastric bypass operations for morbid obesity in Texas from 1999 to 2005 in persons <55 or > or =55 y of age. METHODS: Patients undergoing gastric bypass operations were identified using the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use Data file. Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital stay, and mortality rates were compared in patients <55 or >or=55 y of age. RESULTS: Patients > or =55 y of age accounted for 10.7% (n = 3176) of the 29,731 gastric bypass procedures. The number of patients undergoing gastric bypass operations increased in both age groups. The percentage of patients > or =55 y of age increased from 8.5% in 1999 to 16.3% in 2005. Comparing the older age group with the younger age group, persons > or =55 y were less likely to be female (78.3% versus 86.2%, P < 0.0001) but more likely to be white (78.3% versus 62.4%, P < 0.0001) and have more comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, P < 0.0001). Older patients had a longer average postoperative hospital stay (3.7 versus 3.2 d, P < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality rates were 0.47% in the older group and 0.15% in the younger group (P < 0.0001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, age was an independent predictor of mortality after controlling for gender, race, year of operation, and severity of illness. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery has increased in popularity among younger and older obese patients in Texas. Although morbidity and mortality rates are higher in patients > or =55 y of age, these procedures can be performed safely.