Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Metabolic Surgery on Hepatic Stiffness.

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is one of the effective therapeutic options for people with obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities. In addition to weight-related co-morbid diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in patients with morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery is one of the therapeutic options in the management of NAFLD. Hence, this review focused on the potential role of bariatric surgery on hepatic elasticity measured through shear wave elastography.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed, and the studies regarding heterogeneity were evaluated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis on 6 trials (3-12 months follow-up) including 350 participants showed a significant reduction of liver elasticity after surgery (WMD: -1.149, 95% CI: -1.767, -0.532, p < 0.001; I2:81.55%).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery is associated with decreased liver elasticity. This improvement could be related to weight loss or other mechanisms of bariatric surgery.