Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Anal Disorders Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Obesity is a significant global health concern, often leading to comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy (SG), is a proven treatment for morbid obesity, offering substantial weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. However, post-surgical complications, particularly anorectal disorders such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, remain underexplored, especially in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of anal complications following SG at Almoosa Specialist Hospital in Alhassa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 205 patients who underwent SG between January 2020 and December 2021 were surveyed, with 148 eligible participants included in the final analysis. Results indicated that 8.8% of patients experienced anal complications, with anal fissures (53.8%) and hemorrhoids (38.5%) being the most common. These complications typically occurred 2 - 6 months post-surgery. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity and fluid intake were found to significantly reduce the likelihood of anal issues. Moreover, 69.2% of patients with anal problems reported a negative impact on their quality of life. The study highlights the importance of targeted post-operative care, including lifestyle modifications, to mitigate the impact of anal complications. The findings suggest that ongoing education and comprehensive support for bariatric surgery patients, particularly regarding physical activity and hydration, are critical for improving long-term health outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the long-term progression of anal complications and effective interventions for enhancing patient satisfaction and quality of life.