Incidence and Independent Risk Factors for Meralgia Paresthetica Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a recognized complication following bariatric surgery, yet its risk factors remain poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of MP after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with obesity and to identify its independent risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LSG under general anesthesia at our institution between May 2020 and August 2024. Patients were divided into MP and non-MP groups based on postoperative occurrence. Propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1:4 ratio was used to balance baseline characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between potential risk factors (including preoperative body mass index [BMI] and common comorbidities) and postoperative MP.

RESULTS

A total of 2,635 patients were included. The incidence of postoperative MP was 9.86‰ (26/2635). After PSM, 26 MP patients and 104 non-MP patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis showed the MP group had a significantly higher preoperative BMI than the non-MP group (48.78 ± 7.36 kg/m² vs. 43.07 ± 12.17 kg/m², P < 0.05). Comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension were not significantly different between groups. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that a higher preoperative BMI was an independent risk factor for postoperative MP (OR = 1.036, 95%CI: 1.001-1.072, P = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative MP is a notable complication after LSG. A higher preoperative BMI is a strong and independent risk factor, which should be considered in perioperative risk stratification and prevention strategies.