Gastric Sleeve Pilot Study in Morbidly Obese Undergoing Liver Transplantation

The rapid rise in obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) in the US over the past decade is responsible for more disease and death than any other single factor. Severe obesity is associated with numerous co-morbidities contributing to increased mortality risk, including end stage liver disease. Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end stage liver disease and obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in this population. In one study, 54% of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) were either overweight or obese \[body mass index (BMI) \>25 kg/m2\], and 7% were severely or morbidly obese (BMI \> 35 kg/m2). In addition, weight gain after solid organ transplantation is common because of steroid-containing immunosuppression and physical inactivity from decreased exercise tolerance. Obesity has been shown to increase the surgical morbidity, including wound infections, wound dehiscence, and hernias after transplantation. More significantly, excess pretransplant body weight hinders the rate of improvement in health-related quality of life after liver transplantation\[7\]. One possible approach for treating obesity after a liver transplant is to use bariatric surgery. Currently, bariatric surgery is established as the most effective means for both weight loss and resolution of metabolic disease in the morbidly obese. Recent publications emphasize the usefulness of bariatric surgery in the reduction of long-term cardiometabolic risk, cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, and the management of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In addition, it decreases mortality and improves both social functioning and quality of life. Bariatric surgery may improve eligibility for transplant in patients previously excluded due to excessive weight. Bariatric procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy, allow for significant weight loss over time that greatly reduces or eliminates obesity related illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pr