One anastomosis gastric bypass effective in children with severe obesity

A recent study published in Obesity Surgery found that one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a safe and effective weight loss procedure for children and adolescents with severe obesity compared to two other weight loss procedures - sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) - over a five-year follow-up period.

Childhood obesity remains a pressing global issue with serious medical and social implications. In the quest to combat this problem, medical professionals have been exploring different weight loss procedures. Among them, OAGB has gained approval as an effective and durable method for weight loss and the resolution of obesity-related health problems in adults. However, its suitability and safety for children and adolescents have been a subject of debate. 

The study, conducted at an academic hospital, spanned from March 2016 to December 2020 and included 228 patients with severe obesity aged between 9 and 18 years. Among the participants, 107 underwent SG, 37 had RYGB, and 84 received OAGB as primary weight loss interventions.

The findings of the study revealed promising results for OAGB in the pediatric population. Over the 60-month follow-up period, the patients who underwent OAGB experienced a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) compared to those who received SG and RYGB. The mean ∆BMI values at the 12th, 36th, and 60th months postoperatively were consistently lower in the OAGB group, indicating better weight loss outcomes for this procedure.

The study also emphasized the safety of OAGB in children and adolescents. The procedure was found to be well-tolerated and associated with favorable outcomes during the 24 to 60 months of follow-up.

These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting OAGB as a viable option for combating childhood obesity. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise among young populations, effective interventions are crucial to addressing the associated health risks and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

However, it is important to note that any surgical procedure comes with potential risks and should only be considered after careful evaluation and consultation with medical professionals. Additionally, further research and longer-term studies are needed to assess the sustained efficacy and safety of OAGB in pediatric patients.

Reference:

Yarigholi, F., Shahsavan, M., Salman, A., Pazouki, A., Mazaherinezhad, A., & Kermansaravi, M. (2023). Safety and Efficacy of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass in Children and Adolescents: a 5-Year Cohort Study. In Obesity Surgery. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-023-06749-2