EARLY COMPLICATIONS AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY

<p>Obesity is a major health problem that increases morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate early complications in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy for obesity and to examine parameters that may be associated with these complications. In this study, patients who underwent obesity surgery between January 1, 2017, and September 23, 2024, were compared in terms of age, gender, and preoperative and postoperative body mass index (BMI). Postoperative complications that developed within the first month, including stapler line leakage, bleeding, wound site infection, and other complications, were examined. The study included 135 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy with a diagnosis of obesity. The mean age of the patients was 39.1 ± 10.1 years, 71.9% were female, and 28.1% were male. Significant weight loss was observed in patients one month after surgery; BMI decreased from 46.4 ± 6.8 to 41.9 ± 6.3 kg/m² (p < 0.05).  Three patients (2.2%) had a stapler line leak, 11 (8.1%) received erythrocyte suspension transfusion, and 2 (1.5%) had atelectasis. There were no significant differences in BMI, age, or underlying conditions between patients with complications and those without (p>0.05).  This study demonstrates that sleeve gastrectomy is an effective procedure for short-term weight loss and is reliable due to its low complication rates. A multidisciplinary approach is important for the early detection and effective management of complications such as bleeding and stapler line leaks. Preoperative patient assessment, careful application of techniques, and close postoperative follow-up are considered to play a critical role in improving surgical success.</p>