Gastric bypass improves survival compared with propensity-matched controls: a cohort study with over 10-year follow-up

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term survival following gastric bypass using propensity-matched controls.MethodsWe identified all patients who either received a gastric bypass (GBP) or met criteria to receive a GBP between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003. Propensity matching was performed. Long-term, all-cause mortality data were collected and evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves.ResultsFour hundred thirty GBP cases and 5,323 controls were identified from the enrollment period. Ultimately, 802 cases and controls (1:1 matching, 93.2% match rate) were identified using propensity matching. Median follow-up was similar between groups. Overall mortality was lower for the GBP group (odds ratio .48, 95% confidence interval .29 to .78). GBP demonstrated significantly increased survival when compared with controls (P = .002). Similar patterns were noted among diabetics.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that gastric bypass provides a clear long-term survival advantage compared with nonsurgical propensity-matched controls.