Dynamic Changes in Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Discrimination of Creatinine-Defined Acute Kidney Injury After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) may occur after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a result of obesity-related renal vulnerability, pneumoperitoneum-induced changes in renal perfusion, and perioperative hemodynamic stress. Serum creatinine remains the standard diagnostic marker for AKI; however, it may not fully reflect perioperative renal stress. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), particularly dynamic changes in NGAL (ΔNGAL), for discriminating between patients with and without postoperative AKI after LSG.