Accuracy of Elastography in the Assessment of Reduction in Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in the Early Postoperative Period After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis is found in most obese patients and has a strong association with metabolic syndrome. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy are the two techniques of bariatric surgery. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery have regression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis due to a reduction in body mass index and changes in incretin hormones. AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the acuity of elastography in the regression of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy 2 months after surgery. METHODS: Patients in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery underwent an anthropometric evaluation and hepatic elastography to quantify fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. Two months after surgery, the same evaluation was performed again. RESULTS: All 17 patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Out of this, nine underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and eight underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group had lower fibrosis levels postoperatively compared to preoperatively (p=0.029, p<0.05). As for steatosis, patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower postoperative values (p=0.01, p<0.05). There was also a reduction in fibrosis postoperatively in the sleeve gastrectomy group compared to preoperatively (p=0.037, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elastography accurately demonstrated decreased hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the early postoperative period of bariatric surgery. Moreover, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are suitable surgical methods to improve hepatic steatosis and fibrosis within 2 months postoperatively.

Biochemical Markers for Steatosis: A Necessity. But for Now, Be Satisfied With the Biopsy

“…Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective weight-loss therapy, which plays a crucial role in the management of obese patients with NAFLD and NASH. Studies comparing liver biopsies before and after bariatric surgery have shown substantial improvements in liver histology, including fibrosis regression [5][6][7] .…”