Performance standards in bariatric surgery.

A bariatric surgeon is a fully trained general or gastrointestinal surgeon who has demonstrated specialized knowledge in the management of patients who suffer from morbid obesity and its complications. In addition to appropriate formal surgical training, preceptorships with experienced surgeons, preferably members of international bariatric societies, are highly desirable. Active participation in meetings of these societies, continuing medical education and knowledge of the current literature are necessary to maintain the required skills to treat these complex patients. Bariatric surgery should be performed at institutions that provide the necessary equipment, facilities and support systems for this particular population. When analysing outcomes of obesity surgery, long-term weight loss reports should include the number of patients followed and the time period of follow-up. Complications and re-operations should be presented, as well as modifications of techniques when various operations are compared. Weight loss should not be the only criterion used to define success or failure. Objective assessment of improvement in medical conditions related to obesity, and reliable measurements of quality of life after surgery should also be included in the final outcome analysis.

Gastric banding for morbid obesity.

Recent advances in laparoscopy have renewed the interest in gastric banding techniques for the control of severe obesity. This method entails encircling the upper part of the stomach using bands made of synthetic materials, creating a small upper pouch that empties into the lower stomach through a narrow, non-stretchable stoma. The reduced capacity of the pouch and the restriction caused by the band diminish caloric intake, depending on important technical details, thus producing weight loss comparable to vertical gastroplasties, without the possibility of staple-line disruption and lesser incidence of infectious complications. However, distension of the pouch, slippage of the band and entrapment of the foreign material by the stomach have been described. To reduce the likelihood of these occurrences, reviewing the literature of the past 20 years is important to surgeons new in the bariatric field. Understanding the development of this procedure helps in avoiding mistakes made during the evolutionary process. The simplicity and non-invasiveness of the technique, low morbidity, ease of revision, and especially its complete reversibility, make gastric banding a first-line choice in bariatric surgery. However, as in other pure restrictive methods, and perhaps more important than surgical refinements, patient compliance with the behavioural changes imposed by the procedure is critical for a successful outcome.

Bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system (BAROS)

BACKGROUND: The lack of standards for comparison of results was identified by the NIH Consensus Conference panelists as one of the key problems in evaluating reports in the surgical treatment of severe obesity. The analysis of outcomes after bariatric surgery should include weight loss, improvement in comorbidities related to obesity, and quality-of-life (QOL) assessment. Definitions of success and failure should be established and the presentation of results standardized. METHODS: A survey among experienced bariatric surgeons was conducted to study the reporting of results. The concept of evaluating outcomes by using a scoring system was introduced in 1997 and has now been refined further. Psychologists with expertise in bariatrics were asked to recommend a disease-specific instrument to analyze QOL after surgery. RESULTS: The system defines five outcome groups (failure, fair, good, very good, and excellent), based on a scoring table that adds or subtracts points while evaluating three main areas: percentage of excess weight loss, changes in medical conditions, and QOL. To assess changes in QOL after treatment, this method incorporates a specifically designed patient questionnaire that addresses self-esteem and four daily activities. Complications and reoperative surgery deduct points, thus avoiding the controversy of considering reoperations as failures. CONCLUSIONS: The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) analyzes outcomes in a simple, objective, unbiased, and evidence-based fashion. It can be adapted to evaluate other forms of medical intervention for the control of obesity. This method should be considered by international organizations for the adoption of standards for the outcome assessment of bariatric treatments, and for the comparison of results among surgical series. These standards could also be used to compare the long-term effects of surgery with nonoperative weight loss methods.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of gallbladder disease in clinically severe obesity.

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis affects 10-20% of the USA population, with higher incidence in certain ethnic groups. Obesity is associated with an increase in gallstone formation, reported in up to 45% of morbidly obese patients. Ultrasound is the best diagnostic tool, although its accuracy is less in this particular population. This paper discusses false negative sonographic findings in morbid obesity. METHODS: Retrospective review of 5257 patients submitted to bariatric surgery. Cholecystectomy had previously been performed in 16%. Gallbladder ultrasound was obtained in the remaining group, and cholecystectomy was done based on this information and/or intraoperative observations. Radiology results and surgical findings were correlated with pathology reports. Misread films were reviewed by a radiologist blind to these reports. RESULTS: The series consisted of 88% females. Mean age, weight and percentage overweight were 37 years, 125 kg and 105%, respectively. Cholecystectomy was performed in 3084 patients (59%). Discrepancies between radiological and pathological findings were found in 35 cases (1.1%). Five correct diagnosis of lithiasis also had gallbladder hydrops. Four 'inconclusive' and 20 'negative' studies showed definitive pathology. In six cases of 'non/poor visualization', lithiasis was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative gallbladder ultrasound is mandatory in bariatric surgery. Results are accurate and false-negative reports rare if sonographers and radiologists are experienced. Non/poor visualization is usually due to technical problems or gallbladder pathology, not due to the patient's size. False-negative results are commonly caused by soft stones, microlithiasis or polypoid cholesterolosis. Single calculus impacted in the cystic duct can produce hydrops, resulting in a negative sonogram.