The impact of acute weight loss following bariatric surgery on Eustachian tube function

Abstract

Obesity has emerged as a pressing concern in contemporary society, prompting an increase in bariatric surgery (BS) procedures for severe obesity management. Post-bariatric weight loss might cause complications, such as a reduction in the soft tissue surrounding the Eustachian tube, potentially affecting its function. This cohort prospective study, conducted between May and December 2022, aimed to assess the impact of post-bariatric acute weight loss on Eustachian tube function. A total of 54 cases of bariatric surgery and 157 control subjects were included in the study. Data on socio-demographics, weight, and the type of bariatric surgery were collected for the study group. ET function was assessed using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7). Approximately 55% of the participants fell within the age range of 18-25 years, with the majority (91.4%) having not undergone bariatric surgery. Conversely, participants who underwent BS were significantly more prevalent in the older age groups, specifically those over 50, between 40-50, and 31-40 years (p<0.001). Our sample consisted of 82.5% females and 17.5% males, with BS being significantly more common among male subjects (45.9%) compared to females (21.3%) (p=0.002). The mean total ETDQ-7 in control subjects was significantly higher (11.29±5.49) compared to those who had BS (9.11±4.09). Moreover, when comparing the ETDQ-7 between subjects who had BS and the control group, no statistically significant differences were observed in the total ETDQ-7 score and across all seven items within the ETDQ-7. Based on these findings, bariatric surgery did not have a major effect on ET function.