Bariatric surgery reduces colorectal cancer incidence in obese individuals: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Colorectal cancer ranks third in global cancer prevalence and stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortalities. With obesity recognized as a pivotal risk factor for colorectal cancer, the potential protective role of bariatric surgery, especially laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, has garnered attention.

Aim: To investigate the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) vs sleeve gastrectomy (SG) effect on colorectal cancer incidence in obese individuals.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Seventeen studies with a total of 12497322 patients were included. The primary outcome was the relative risk (RR) of developing colorectal cancer in obese patients who underwent weight loss surgery compared to those who did not. Secondary outcomes included determining the RR for colon and rectal cancer separately and subgroup analyses by gender and type of weight loss surgery.

Results: The meta-analysis revealed a 54% reduction in colorectal cancer risk in morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery compared to those who did not. A significant 46% reduction in colorectal cancer risk was observed among female patients. However, no significant differences were found in the meta-analysis for various types of bariatric surgery, such as SG and RYGB.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis reveals weight loss surgery, regardless of type, reduces colorectal cancer risk, especially in women, as indicated by RR and hazard ratio assessments. Further validation is essential.