Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as an Early Predictor for Major Complications After Metabolic Surgery

Background: In metabolic-bariatric fast-track surgery, patients are scheduled for discharge on postoperative day 1. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be an inexpensive and rapid way to identify patients at risk of early complications. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of the NLR on early complications. Methods: Prospective data were collected of all patients undergoing primary metabolic surgery in a single center, between April 2018 and April 2019. The association between NLR, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) was compared with early complications. Results: In total, 829 patients underwent primary metabolic surgery: 336 (40.5%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 410 (49.5%) sleeve gastrectomy, and 83 (10.0%) one anastomosis gastric bypass. Major complications occurred in 34 (4.1%) patients, who had significantly higher levels of postoperative NLR (p