Bariatric Surgery for Hypothalamic Obesity in Craniopharyngioma Patients: A Retrospective, Matched Case-Control Study

Context Craniopharyngioma is a sellar tumor associated with high rates of pituitary deficiencies (~98%) and hypothalamic obesity (~50%). Objective To determine the efficacy regarding long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery in obese craniopharyngioma patients with hypothalamic dysfunction. Design Retrospective case control study. Setting Multicenter international study. Patients and participants Obese craniopharyngioma patients (N = 16; of which 12 women) with a history of bariatric surgery [12 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 4 sleeve gastrectomy; median age of 21 years (range 15-52), median follow-up 5.2 years (range 2.0-11.3)] and age/sex/surgery/BMI-matched obese controls (N = 155). Main outcome measures Weight loss and obesity-related comorbidities up to 5 years after bariatric surgery were compared and changes in hormonal replacement therapy evaluated. Results Mean weight loss at 5-year follow-up was 22.0% (95% CI 16.1, 27.8) in patients versus 29.5% (28.0, 30.9) in controls (P = 0.02), which was less after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (22.7% [16.9, 28.5] vs. 32.0% [30.4, 33.6]; P = 0.003) but at a similar level after sleeve gastrectomy (21.7% [–1.8, 45.2] vs. 21.8% [18.2, 25.5]; P = 0.96). No major changes in endocrine replacement therapy were observed after surgery. One patient died (unknown cause). One patient had long-term absorptive problems. Conclusions Obese patients with craniopharyngioma had a substantial mean weight loss of 22% at 5-year follow-up after bariatric surgery, independent of type of bariatric surgery procedure. Weight loss was lower than in obese controls after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Bariatric surgery appears effective and relatively safe in the treatment of obese craniopharyngioma patients.