FRIDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- In morbidly obese adolescents, minimally invasive laparoscopic gastric banding surgery -- a procedure currently only approved for adults -- can improve or even reverse signs of metabolic syndrome, according to a study presented at the Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting, held from June 10 to 13 in Washington, D.C.
Ilene Fennoy, M.D., of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, and colleagues studied 24 patients ages 14 to 17 years -- including 13 who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome -- who underwent the "Lap-Band" procedure to reduce the size of their stomachs.
After six months, the researchers observed significant reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, and serum levels of C-reactive protein. After 12 months, they observed continued reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein. Of the five patients with metabolic syndrome who were followed for 12 months, only two met the criteria a year after surgery, resulting in a decrease in prevalence from 41.7 percent to 16.7 percent.
"Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery may be a useful intervention for morbidly obese teenagers to decrease the risk of early development of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses related to obesity," Fennoy said in a statement.
Abstract - No. P2-420 (log in may be required)
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