Fifteen studies were included in the review (n=940 participants, range seven to 216): one RCT, eight prospective studies and six retrospective studies. Eleven studies did not have a control group. The RCT had moderate risk of bias; the other studies were deemed to have a high risk of bias.
Operative time ranged from 49 to 143 minutes (average 100.4 minutes). Hospital stays ranged from 1.9 to 8 days (average of 4.4 days). Percentage excessive weight loss ranged from 33% to 90% with follow-up from six to 36 months. Five studies presented data on resolution and improvement of comorbidities and these ranged from 45% to 95.3%.
Overall reported mortality rate for LSG ranged from zero to 3.3%. Complication rates ranged from zero to 29%.