Abstract

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is associated with low but definite early and late mortality. This study aims to further understand early (≤90 days) and delayed (>90 days) mortality related to bariatric surgery.

Methods: This is a retrospective collaborative audit of patients who had undergone bariatric surgery and developed complications that ultimately led to death. Individuals who were 18 years or older and had undergone bariatric surgery (primary, revisional, and endoscopic procedures) and subsequently died within 90 days or after 90 days following the surgery between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. A descriptive analysis was conducted.

Results: 30 centres from 21 countries submitted data on 82 patients where patient death was deemed to be related to bariatric surgery. Mortality within 90 days post-surgery was observed in 58 individuals (70.7%), while 24 patients (29.3%) died after this period. Causes of mortality after SG include GI leak, PE, respiratory infection, and malnutrition. Causes of mortality after RYGB include GI leak, coronary heart disease, and bleeding. Reported common causes of early mortality in this study were gastrointestinal leaks, bleeding, coronary heart disease, and pulmonary embolism. Reported common causes of delayed mortality were gastrointestinal leaks and malnutrition.

Conclusion: This study characterises patients where death was attributed to a bariatric procedure and identifies common causes of death in these patients. This could aid development of strategies for preventing and managing these complications in the future.