Weight-Loss Surgery Safe for Obese Kidney Disease Patients

Newswise — Washington, DC (March 1, 2012) — Weight-loss surgery is safe for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who are obese, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN). The study is the largest of its kind to focus on the impact of kidney function on patients’ health following weight-loss surgery.

It’s not known whether weight-loss surgery—also known as bariatric surgery—is safe for patients with CKD or how diminished kidney function might impact the risks of the procedure. To find out, Nicole Turgeon, MD, John Sweeney, MD (Emory University School of Medicine), and their colleagues analyzed information from 27,736 patients who underwent weight-loss surgery between 2006 and 2008.

The researchers found that patients with more severe CKD experienced more complications following surgery. Complication rates ranged from 4.6% for those with stage 1 CKD or normal kidney function to 9.9% for those with stage 5 CKD.

Even though patients with more severe CKD experienced more complications, complication rates remained below 10%. “This work provides strong evidence that it is safe to proceed with bariatric surgery in kidney failure patients who suffer from obesity,” said Dr. Sweeney.

The findings are encouraging because maintaining weight loss is challenging for CKD patients, many of whom have a decreased ability to exercise. Also, obesity can limit CKD patients’ eligibility for kidney transplants. Whether the potential benefits of weight-loss surgery outweigh the risks in this population requires further study, though.

Study co-authors include Sebastian Perez, Max Mondestin, MD, S. Scott Davis, MD, Edward Lin, DO, Sudha Tata, MD, Allan Kirk, MD, PhD, Christian Larsen, MD, DPhil, Thomas Pearson, MD, DPhil (Emory University School of Medicine).

Disclosures: The authors reported no financial disclosures.

The article, entitled “The Impact of Renal Function on Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery,” will appear online at http://jasn.asnjournals.org/ on March 1, 2012, doi: 10.1681/ASN.2011050476.

The content of this article does not reflect the views or opinions of The American Society of Nephrology (ASN). Responsibility for the information and views expressed therein lies entirely with the author(s). ASN does not offer medical advice. All content in ASN publications is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This content should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health care provider if you have any questions about a medical condition, or before taking any drug, changing your diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Do not ignore or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of information accessed through ASN. Call 911 or your doctor for all medical emergencies.

Founded in 1966, and with more than 13,500 members, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) leads the fight against kidney disease by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating the highest quality care for patients.

# # #