Variation in Clinical Characteristics of Women versus Men Preoperative for Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Analysis of 83,059 Patients

Abstract

Variation by sex in preoperative clinical characteristics of female and male laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) patients has not been evaluated comprehensively. The objective of our study was to identify clinical differences between morbidly obese women and men seeking LRYGB. Data from 83,059 patients in the Surgical Review Corporation's Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database who were about to undergo LRYGB was analyzed in two groups: women (n = 65,325) and men (n = 17,734). Statistics were evaluated with analysis of variance and the χ2 equation. Cardiopulmonary comorbidities affected more men than women (P ≤ 0.0002) except for female asthma (P < 0.0001). Diabetes, gout, dyslipidemia, abdominal hernia, liver disease, alcohol and tobacco use, and substance abuse were higher for men (P < 0.0001). Women had gastroesophageal reflux disease, cholelithiasis, abdominal panniculitis, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, mental health disorders, depression, and impaired psychological status more often (P < 0.0001). Among LRYGB patients, men are older, smoke, and drink more, and have increased cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and liver disease versus women. Female somatic pain, gallstones, and mental health diagnoses are higher. This advance knowledge may aid management of LRYGB patients. By raising the index of suspicion for weight-related comorbidities, management of nonbariatric surgical patients may be facilitated.