Haythem Ali
Introduction
Sleeve gastrectomy is a common operation. Evidence supporting the feasibility of an overnight discharge pathway remains limited.
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a safe overnight (23-hour stay) pathway for sleeve gastrectomies.
Methods
This retrospective cohort observational study was conducted at a UK bariatric centre. Data were collected from all patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy surgery between May 2024 and December 2025.
Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), complications / discharges.
Results
200 patients were included.
Overall, 184 (92%) patients were discharged after a single overnight stay. Mean age was 43.07±10.5 years. 185 (92.5%) patients were women. Patients discharged after a single overnight stay and those with prolonged stays had no significant differences in opioid use (120 (65.22%) vs 14 (87.5%); p=0.07), complication rates (4 (2.17%) vs 0 (0.00%); p=1.00), and 3-month weight loss (15.05±8.02% vs 13.21±3.24%; p=0.10). None of the complications required a return to theatre.
Conclusion
A single overnight stay (23-hour discharge) pathway is safe and feasible for patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomies.
Authors
Sarmad El Samad, Yasser Abdulaal, William Lynn, Matyas Fehervari, Haythem Ali
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Maidstone, United Kingdom