Technical Feasibility, Outcomes, and Patient Satisfaction After Needlescopic and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Study

Background Needlescopic instruments create a 3-mm incision and may result in less pain and superior cosmesis. There is limited understanding of the effectiveness of needlescopic instruments in patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m 2 . We report perioperative outcomes and perception of body image with use of needlescopic instruments after bariatric surgery. Methods Laparoscopic bariatric procedures were performed on 30 adults at a single academic medical center from January to December 2017. Patients were randomized to conventional laparoscopy (LAP) or needlescopic (NEED) surgery. The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) were completed at 6 months and 1 year. Univariate analysis was performed on perioperative outcomes and survey scores. Results Surgery was completed on patients in the LAP group ( N = 13) and compared to the NEED group ( N = 17). The mean BMI was 41.4 kg/m2 LAP and 41.1 kg/m2 NEED. The most common procedure was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), with 13 RYGB in LAP and 12 RYGB in NEED (P = 0.76).The operative time was not significantly different between the LAP and the NEED group (209.5 ± 66.1 vs 181.9 ± 58.1 min, P = 0.48). There was no leak or mortality in the 30-day follow-up period. Within MBSRQ, the patient’s appearance self-evaluation score was similar between LAP and NEED (2.5 ± 0.6 vs 2.4 ± 0.6, P = 0.61). Within PSAQ, the mean satisfaction score for incision appearance was also similar between LAP and NEED (16.1± 2.9 vs 15.4 ± 4.6, P = 0.85). Incision-related perceptions remained consistent at 6 months and 1 year after bariatric surgery. Conclusions Needlescopic instruments are safe and a viable alternative to use during bariatric surgery. Appearance and perception of scar were similar between groups. Further studies with needlescopic instruments should include patients with a BMI > 35 kg/m 2 and compare additional factors associated with body image. Graphical abstract