The Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Thyroid Functions in Egyptian Patients with Obesity

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) continues to be one of the most popular bariatric procedures all over the world. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) frequently shows a slight elevation in patients with obesity. The effect of SG on thyroid hormones has been rarely investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to assess the short-term effect of SG on thyroid functions in Egyptian patients with morbid obesity and the potential predictors of the postoperative thyroid functions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients undergoing SG at kasr al ainy hospitals. The patients underwent preoperative 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative analyses of the thyroid functions and other biochemical markers. RESULTS: The study included 106 patients who showed significant improvement in thyroid functions at the follow-up assessment. Twelve-month TSH positively correlated with the 12-month measures of LDL and HbA1c. TSH change at 12-month follow-up (TSH) was inversely correlated to 12-month BMI and positively correlated to preoperative TSH and 12-month percentage of total weight loss (TWL%). Univariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative TSH (p < 0.001), 12-month TWL% (p = 0.042), 12-month HbA1c (p = 0.001), and 12-month LDL (p = 0.049) were significant predictors for the 12-month TSH levels. Multivariable analysis showed that only preoperative TSH levels (p < 0.001) and 12-month HbA1c levels (p = 0.021) could affect the 12-month TSH levels. CONCLUSION: The current study supports the evidence of thyroid function improvement after sleeve gastrectomy. This improvement was affected by the amount of weight loss after surgery.