[Nutritional deficiencies and supplementation after metabolic surgery]. / Nutritive Defizite und Supplementation nach metabolischer Chirurgie.

Increasing prevalence of morbid obesity in Germany is associated with an increasing number of bariatric surgical interventions.Based on the effectiveness of bariatric surgery with regard to a significant reduction of body weight and comorbidity as well as improvement of the quality of life compared with conservative measures, its value and impact has been substantially increased. Long-term metabolic deficits such as nutrient deficiencies can be considered the main risks of various restrictive, combined and malabsorptive procedures of bariatric surgery.The aim of this overview is to characterize metabolic complications after bariatric surgery and their prophylaxis, which require a temporary or permanent surveillance and, if necessary, effective supplementation.Bariatric surgical interventions such as gastric banding (GB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) can be subsequently associated with deficiencies related to B­vitamins whereas iron, folate, and vitamins B1, B12 and D deficiencies might be consequences of malabsorptive procedures such as biliopancreatic diversion, duodenal switch and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.Due to possible metabolic and surgical complications after bariatric surgery, patients need to undergo life-long follow-up investigations. The currently available guidelines of the American Association of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery are the basis for the latest recommendations on supplementation and treatment in bariatric surgery.

Risk of thrombosis and thromboembolic prophylaxis in obesity surgery: data analysis from the German Bariatric Surgery Registry.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based data on optimal approach for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in bariatric operations is discussed. Using antithrombotic prophylaxis, weight adjusted the risk of VTE and its complications have to be balanced with the increased bleeding risk. METHODS: Since 2005, the current situation for bariatric surgery has been examined by quality assurance study in Germany. As a prospective multicenter observational study, data on the type, regimen, and time course of VTE prophylaxis were documented. The incidences of clinically diagnosed VTE or PE were derived during the in-hospital course and follow up. RESULTS: Overall, 31,668 primary bariatric procedures were performed between January 2005 and December 2013. Most performed operations were 3999 gastric banding (GB); 13,722 Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGBP); and 11,840 sleeve gastrectomies (SG). Gender (p = 0.945), surgical procedure (p = 0.666), or administration of thromboembolic prophylaxis (p = 0.272) had no statistical impact on the DVT incidence. By contrast, BMI (p = 0.116) and the duration of thromboembolic prophylaxis (p = 0.127) did impact the frequency of onset of DVT. CONCLUSION: Age, BMI, male gender, and a previous history of VTE are the most important risk factors. The drug of choice for VTE is heparin. LMWH should be given preference over unfractionated heparins due to their improved pharmacological properties, i.e., better bioavailability and longer half-life as well as ease of use. Despite the low incidence of VTE and PE, there is a lack of evidence. Therefore, prospective randomized studies are necessary to determine the optimal VTE prophylaxis for bariatric surgical patients.

[Current Situation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Obesity and Metabolic Surgery - Data Analysis from the Study for Quality Assurance in Operative Treatment of Obesity in Germany]. / Aktueller Stand der Antibiotikaprophylaxe in der Adipositas- und metabolischen Chirurgie - Datenanalyse aus der Studie zur Qualitätskontrolle der operativen Therapie der Adipositas in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Since January 2005, the situation of metabolic and obesity surgery in Germany has been constantly evaluated by the German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR). Data registration is performed using an internet online database with prospective data collection. All registered data were analysed in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. METHODS: Data collection includes primary and revision/redo-procedures. A main focus of the current study is the analysis of data regarding the perioperative management, in particular, administration of antibiotics. RESULTS: Since 2005 a significant increase of primary bariatric procedures has been reported. For evaluation of the antibiotic regimen 12 296 primary operations including 684 balloons (BIB), 2950 gastric bandings (GB), 5115 Roux-en-Y-gastric bypasses (RYGBP), 120 Scopinaro's biliopancreatic diversions (BPD), 164 duodenal switches (DS), 3125 sleeve gastrectomies (SG) and 138 other procedures were analysed. In total 77.3 % of the patients with primary procedures received perioperative antibiotics. Patients without concomitant comorbidities received antibiotics significantly less often compared to those with comorbidities. Wound infection rates were comparable for patients who underwent either gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: Surgery has been accepted step by step as a treatment for morbid obesity and its comorbidities in Germany during the last few years. There is only little experience in the literature regarding antibiotic therapy as well as prophylaxis in bariatric surgery. Based on the results of the current study we recommend rather the selective than the routine use of antibiotics depending on different parameters, e.g., operative time, preoperative BMI and concomitant comorbidities.

[Comment on Gender-Specific Aspects in Obesity and Metabolic Surgery--Analysis of Data from the German Bariatric Surgery Registry]. / Kommentar zu genderspezifischen Aspekten in der Adipositas- und metabolischen Chirurgie--Daten der Qualitätssicherungsstudie für operative Therapie der Adipositas.

BACKGROUND: The current situation in obesity and metabolic surgery since January 2005 has been investigated with the help of the quality assurance study on surgical therapy for obesity = German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR). The data were acquired and analysed in cooperation with the Institute for Quality Assurance in Surgical Medicine at the Otto-von-Guericke University. METHODS: Data acquisition was done with the help of an online database. On a voluntary basis, all obesity and metabolic surgical interventions since 2005 have been recorded. In addition to the surgical data, the findings of the yearly follow-up investigations were recorded. RESULTS: Since 2005 there have been 1,263 gastric balloon procedures, 11,840 sleeve gastrectomies, 13,722 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses and 3999 gastric banding operations. The average age of the male patients in all interventions was significantly higher. The average BMI of female patients who received a gastric banding or a gastric balloon procedure was significantly lower than that of the male patients. Men exhibited a higher incidence of comorbidities than women. CONCLUSION: The number of obesity and metabolic surgical interventions in Germany is continuously increasing. The results of the study on surgical therapy for obesity (GBSR) reveal significant differences in the gender-specific incidence of preoperative comorbidities. postoperative complications and mortality. Further studies on gender-specific aspects are necessary in order to optimise patient selection and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

[Revisional surgery and reoperations in obesity and metabolic surgery : Data analysis of the German bariatric surgery registry 2005-2012]. / Revisions- und "Redo"-Eingriffe in der Adipositas- und metabolischen Chirurgie : Datenanalyse des German Bariatric Surgery Registry 2005-2012.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of interventions for obesity and metabolic surgery have led to an increase of primary bariatric operations as well as redo operations and revisional surgery after various primary bariatric procedures. Evidence-based guidelines for indications and choice of procedure for revisional surgery do not currently exist. AIM: The spectrum of various revisional and redo operations following standard operative procedures for obesity and metabolic surgery is presented based on current data from the German bariatric surgery registry (GBSR, German nationwide survey on quality assurance in bariatric surgery) and a literature search. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1 January 2005, the current situation of bariatric surgery has been examined using the GBSR. All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. Since 2005 a total of 24,070 primary bariatric procedures, 2070 revisional procedures and 1124 redo operations were analyzed. The study evaluated 1021 revisional and 491 redo operations after gastric banding (GB), 443 redo operations after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and 306 revisional procedures and 10 redo operations after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). RESULTS: Reoperations of GB to SG were performed in 240 cases. The complication rate for GB removal and SG showed a significantly higher leakage rate for one step operations than for two step procedures of 3.3% vs. 0.0%. Conversion of GB to RYGBP was performed in 402 operations without any significant differences between one and two step approaches (1.9% vs. 2.2%). The specific complication rate in the 443 interventions in patients for conversion from SG to RYGBP was 10.8% which is higher than for primary SG (4.9%) and RYGBP (5.3%). CONCLUSION: Compared with the primary surgical procedures redo operations and revisional procedures have significantly higher complication rates. The data evaluated show that strong and differentiated indications are necessary for revisional and redo operations particularly in cases of therapy or metabolic failure.

[Nutrient Deficiencies after Bariatric Surgery - Systematic Literature Review and Suggestions for Diagnostics and Treatment]. / Nutritive Defizite nach bariatrischer Chirurgie - systematische Literaturanalyse und Empfehlungen für Diagnostik und Substitution.

The increasing prevalence of morbid obesity in Germany is associated with an increasing number of metabolic surgical interventions. Short-term surgical and long-term metabolic complications such as nutrient deficiencies can be considered the main risks of metabolic surgery and its restrictive and malabsorbant surgical procedures. The aim of this compact short overview based on a selective literature search and our own clinical experience is to characterise the long-term metabolic complications, which are specific for the various bariatric procedures, and to refine the published guidelines for supplementation. Restrictive bariatric procedures can be associated with well-known surgical problems such as pouch dilatation or band migration, e.g., after gastric banding. After sleeve gastrectomy, emerging reflux disease can become a substantial problem. The most frequent deficiencies after restrictive procedures are related to B-vitamins whereas iron, folate, vitamin B1 and B12 and vitamin D deficiencies are associated with the malabsorptive procedure such as biliopancreatic diversion, duodenal switch and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Due to possible metabolic and surgical complications after bariatric surgery, patients need to undergo life-long medical follow-up investigations. The currently available guidelines of German Society of Treatment of Obesity (CAADIP) of DGAV for supplementation should be known and followed, in particular, by the physicians who i) are exceptionally involved in medical care of obese people and ii) do it in full awareness of the obligatory postoperative clinical observation.

Is a one-step sleeve gastrectomy indicated as a revision procedure after gastric banding? Data analysis from a quality assurance study of the surgical treatment of obesity in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Since 1 January 2005, the outcomes of bariatric surgeries have been examined in Germany. All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. METHODS: Data are collected in an online data bank. Data collection began in 2005 for the results of gastric banding (GB) and in 2006 for sleeve gastrectomies (SGs). In addition to primary bariatric operations, data regarding the complications of revision procedures and redo operations have been analyzed. Participation in the quality assurance study is required for all certified centers in Germany. RESULTS: SGs are a popular redo operation after failed gastric banding. Using the German Bariatric Surgery Registry, we analyzed data from 137 SGs that were used in a one-step approach after GB and 37 SGs that were used in a two-step approach. Leakage rates for primary SGs dropped to 1.9 %. The incidence of leakage after a one-step SG after GB is significantly higher (4.4 %) than for a two-step approach (0 %). CONCLUSION: SGs are popular procedures after failed GB in Germany, but the complication rates for one-step band removal are higher than for a two-step approach. After examining the data, we suggest performing band removal and SG as a two-step procedure. Further analysis is necessary to evaluate the optimal time period between band removal and SG. Follow-up investigations must be performed to determine if SG is an effective and safe option after GB.

Bariatric surgery in adolescents and young adults--safety and effectiveness in a cohort of 345 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and effectiveness of adolescent bariatric surgery and to improve treatment recommendations for this age group. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal registry. Since January 2005, patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Germany are enlisted in an online registry called 'study for quality assurance in obesity surgeries'. SUBJECTS: Adolescents and young adults up to the age of 21 years, operated from January 2005 to December 2010. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, BMI, comorbidities, complication rates. RESULTS: N=345 primary procedures were recorded by 58 hospitals. N=51 patients were under the age of 18 years. Follow-up information was available for 48% (n=167) of patients, with an average observation period of 544±412 days (median: 388 days). The most common surgical techniques were gastric banding (n=118, 34.2%), gastric bypass (n=116, 33.6%) and sleeve gastrectomy (n=78, 22.6%). Short-term complications (intra-operative; general postoperative; specific postoperative) were slightly lower for gastric banding (0.8%; 2.5%; 0.8%) than for gastric bypass (2.6%; 5.2%; 1.7%) or sleeve gastrectomy (0%; 9.0%; 7.7%). In accordance with published findings, weight and BMI reduction were lower for gastric banding (-28 kg; -9.5 kg m(-2)) compared to gastric bypass (-50 kg; -16.4 kg m(-2)) P< 0.001 or sleeve gastrectomy (-46 kg; -15.4 kg m(-2)) P< 0.001. Outcomes did not differ between the <18 and ≥18-year-old patients. CONCLUSION: Like in adults, bariatric surgery has low short-term complication rates and results in sustained weight loss in adolescents. However, the missing long-term observations prohibit a final conclusion about lasting effectiveness and safety. Clinical trials with structured follow-up programs and mechanisms to ascertain patient adherences are needed.

[Increased requirements for the challenging abdominosurgical management of morbid obesity - what does the abdominal surgeon need to know?]. / Gewachsene Erfordernisse im anspruchsvollen viszeralchirurgischen Management bei morbider Adipositas - Was muss der Viszeralchirurg wissen?

In the international comparison and in Europe, the Federal Republic of Germany belongs to the countries with a very high prevalence of obesity (men, 67.1 %; women, 53 %). Among the European countries, the incidence of diabetes mellitus type 2 is also high ("Study of the health of adults in Germany" [DEGS]) - Robert Koch Institute). Not only for surgeons, this can be considered as a great challenge even in usual abdominosurgical interventions. 1. Surgical equipment needs to be adapted to the requirements for obese patients. 2. Minimally invasive surgery reduces not only complication rates with regard to postsurgical wound infection and hernia in such patients, it allows a competent assessment of the peritoneal cavity. 3. A great number of surgical tools and instruments can be used in normal weight as well as morbidly obese patients with no limitations - for conventional (open) surgical interventions, retractor systems should be available. 4. With regard to emergency surgery in patients who had formerly undergone bariatric surgery, a competent basic knowledge on the usual bariatric surgical interventions and the subsequent anatomic consequences as well as the more frequent mid- and long-term complications is necessary, which need to be partially approached with the surgical intervention. 5. For numerous oncosurgical interventions, no differences in postoperative outcome were found between normal weight and morbidly obese patients.

Are there gender-specific aspects of gastric banding? Data analysis from the quality assurance study of the surgical treatment of obesity in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Since 1 January 2005, the situation of bariatric surgery has been examined in Germany. All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. METHODS: Data collection on the results of gastric banding procedures was started in 2005, and the data are registered in an online database. Follow-up data were collected once a year. Participation in the quality assurance study is voluntary. RESULTS: Since 2005, 3,453 gastric banding procedures have been performed at 88 hospitals. The mean age of patients was 40.7 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 45.2 kg/m2. BMI and comorbidities are significantly higher in male patients. Regarding gender-specific aspects, there are no significant differences in the perioperative complication rates. The amelioration rate of comorbidities in male patients is lower than in female patients. CONCLUSION: Gastric banding in Germany is generally performed in patients with a BMI below 45 kg/m2. The perioperative complication rate is low. Data from the nationwide survey of the German Bariatric Surgery Registry show significant differences in preoperative comorbidities and their amelioration between male and female patients. There is a need for further evaluation of gender-specific aspects of gastric banding procedures to optimize patient selection, reduce specific postoperative complications, and achieve long-term effects on weight loss and remission of comorbidities.

[New data on quality assurance in bariatric surgery in Germany]. / Aktuelle Daten der Qualitätssicherungsstudie für operative Therapie der Adipositas in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Since January 1st 2005, the situation of bariatric surgery has been examined in Germany. All data are registered prospectively in cooperation with the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg. METHODS: The voluntary data registration occurs in an internet online data bank. All primary bariatric procedures as well as re- and redo-procedures are documented. Follow-up data were collected once a year. Participation in the quality assurance study is obligatory for certificated centres. RESULTS: Since 2005 13,879 bariatric procedures have been performed at 83 hospitals. The number of primary procedures has increased from 596 in 2005 to 11,835 in 2010. Revisional surgery has been performed in 1,438 patients since 2005. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the major procedure with 1,564 operations in 2010. The mean BMI was 48.8 kg/m². The incidence of comorbidities was 84.8%. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery has become more accepted in Germany. Beside the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy is the most frequently performed operation. BMI and incidence of comorbidities are still high in comparison with literature values. Due to the lack of evidence, more randomised studies are necessary to standardise operative techniques and evaluate patient selection criteria. Quality assurance studies support a detailed analysis of these parameters.

Actual situation of thromboembolic prophylaxis in obesity surgery: data of quality assurance in bariatric surgery in Germany.

Background. Evidence-based data on optimal approach for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in bariatric operations is discussed. Using antithrombotic prophylaxis weight adjusted the risk of VTE and its complications have to be balanced with the increased bleeding risk. Methods. Since 2005 the current situation for bariatric surgery has been examined by quality assurance study in Germany. As a prospective multicenter observational study, data on the type, regimen, and time course of VTE prophylaxis were documented. The incidences of clinically diagnosed VTE or PE were derived during the in-hospital course and follow up. Results. Overall, 11,835 bariatric procedures were performed between January 2005 and December 2010. Most performed procedures were 2730 gastric banding (GB); 4901 Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGBP) procedures, and 3026 sleeve gastrectomies (SG). Study collective includes 72.5% (mean BMI 48.1 kg/m(2)) female and 27.5% (mean BMI 50.5 kg/m(2)) male patients. Incidence of VTE was 0.06% and of PE 0.08%. Conclusion. VTE prophylaxis regimen depends on BMI and the type of procedure. Despite the low incidence of VTE and PE there is a lack of evidence. Therefore, prospective randomized studies are necessary to determine the optimal VTE prophylaxis for bariatric surgical patients.

[Bariatric surgery in children and adolescents]. / Adipositaschirurgie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen.

Obesity in childhood and adolescents has gained epidemic proportions; in Germany 15-20 % of boys and girls are overweight, more than 6 % are known to be obese. By now, 25 % of relevant people show a pathological glucose intolerance, 4-5 % are developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, metabolic disorders leading to hypertension and cardiac, renal or ophthalmological complications could be named as serious comorbidities. Medical and behavioural intervention as treatment for obesity in childhood remains largely ineffective: 5-10 % weight loss within 2 years rarely results in significant durable success. In adults, bariatric surgery is being used increasingly as an effective approach to achieve weight loss and to improve serious medical comorbidities, in particular T2DM. Enhancement of quality of life and explicit extension of survival are concomitant phenomenons. To date, a range of different types of bariatric procedures has been performed in adolescents, but studies evaluating and analysing preoperative data, postoperative course and follow-up in a representative number of patients younger than 18 years are still lacking. Nevertheless, current experience suggests significant weight loss and improving obesity-related medical comorbidities after bariatric surgery in adolescents too. Moreover, bariatric surgery in adolescents seems to induce less complications and a shorter hospital stay than in adults. Al-though surgical therapy for obesity in this group of patients remains an individual decision, even though explicit guidelines have been published specifying inclusion and exclusion criterias. Analysis of our own patient group and results of the study of the quality assurance "surgical treatment of morbid obesity" are appropriate tools to evaluate surgical techniques and to provide long-term follow-up.

[Jejunobronchial fistula as a complication after an alloplastic diaphragm substitute]. / Jejunobronchiale Fistel als Komplikation nach alloplastischem Zwerchfellersatz--Ein Fallbericht.

CASE REPORT: In a 60-year-old patient with an inflammatory pseudotumour due to a penetrating gastric ulcer, extended gastrectomy and partial diaphragm resection were carried out 7 years ago. The diaphragmatic defect was closed with a prosthetic patch (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE). The patient currently complains about cough during eating, fever and weight loss. By means of fluoroscopy after barium swallow, an enterobronchial fistula was detected. Intraoperatively, a 10-cm long, dead-end piece jejunum was found after end-to-side oesophagojejunostomy. The torn-out PTFE patch was seen in a subphrenic empyemic cavity, which communicated with the dead-end length of jejunum and the peripheral bronchi of the lower lobe via a fistula. After resection of the dead-end length of jejunum and extensive debridement of the residual parts of the diaphragm as well as oversewing of the bronchial fistula, the diaphragmatic defect was covered with a distally pedicled flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: In case of potential infections the implantation of alloplastic material must be excluded. The reversed latissimus dorsi muscle flap proved to be ideal autologous material for reconstruction of the hemidiaphragm. The dead-end length of jejunum in the end-to-side oesophagojejunostomy should be short to prevent any retention of food. Pulmonary resection is not absolutely necessary in the case of enterobronchial fistulation.

[Surgical technique and outcome in metabolic and bariatric surgery: biliopancreatic diversion]. / Operative Techniken und deren Outcome in der metabolischen Chirurgie: Biliopankreatische Diversion.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate surgical results and outcome using biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and duodenal switch (BPD-DS) as a representative profile for Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2007, overall 163 patients had undergone BPD (n = 72) and BPD-DS (n = 91) including 21 "redo" operations who were registered in the nation-wide multicentre (n = 48) observational -study for quality assurance of surgical treatment in morbid obesity. BPD and BPD-DS were performed in 5 of the 48 participating German surgical departments. A laparoscopic approach with no conversion was possible in 96.7 % of BPD and 50.6 % of BPD-DS, respectively. RESULTS: Body weight (mean BMI, 53.6 kg / m(2)) was considerably reduced down to a mean BMI of 36.7 kg / m(2) (BPD) and 33.2 kg/m(2) (BPD-DS). The operating time in average was 134 min in BPD and 234 min in BPD-DS, respectively. Postoperative hospital stay was as follows: BPD, 8 d; BPD-DS, 15 d. The rate of general postoperative complications (pneumonia, urinary infection) was 17.6 % whereas the specific complication rate (disturbances of wound healing) was only 12.1 % (mortality, 0). Relaparotomy was required in 5 patients (post-operative bleeding, n = 3; anastomotic insufficiency, n = 2). In 50 % of the repeat cases, a laparoscopic -approach was initially favoured followed by conversion. Follow-up investigation revealed trocar hernia, n = 2 (within 1 year); abdominal hernia, n = 1 (within 6 months). CONCLUSION: The surgical results obtained with BPD and, in particular, with BPD-DS represent data similar to those of a learning curve. Occurrence, type and rate of the reported complications are comparable with international data from the literature. The ongoing benchmarking project indicates the efforts for a continuous control and improvement of the quality in this type of surgical treatment.

A nationwide survey on bariatric surgery in Germany--results 2005-2007.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on bariatric surgery outcomes are performed as clinical trials or reflect the clinical experience in single centers. The status of bariatric surgery in Germany has been examined since January 1st, 2005 with the cooperation of clinics and hospitals at the Institute of Quality Assurance in Surgery at the Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg (Germany). METHODS: In this prospective multicenter observational study, the data obtained for all primary bariatric procedures, including all repeated operations, performed on consecutive patients with morbid obesity at participating hospitals from 2005 to 2007 were prospectively collected using an Internet online data registry. In particular, perioperative characteristics, such as the spectrum of diagnostic measurements, type of surgical procedures, and short- and long-term outcomes, were investigated. RESULTS: During the study period, 629 surgical procedures were performed at 21 hospitals in 2005, 828 procedures at 32 hospitals in 2006, and 1,666 procedures at 35 hospitals in 2007. In 2005 and 2006, gastric banding was the most frequently performed operation, followed by the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). In 2007, a RYGBP was carried out in 42.1% of all bariatric procedures. Among all patients, 74.4% were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 48.5 kg/m(2) in 2005, 48.4 kg/m(2) in 2006, and 48.0 kg/m(2) in 2007. Follow-up data after 12 months were available for 63.8% of the patients in 2005 and 2006; these data showed greater reduction of BMI after malabsorptive rather than restrictive bariatric procedures. The mortality was 0.1% (30 days) and 0.16% (overall). CONCLUSION: As indicated by the worldwide trend, there is an ongoing change from restrictive bariatric procedures to malabsorptive procedures and sleeve gastrectomy. Although the BMIs of German patients undergoing bariatric surgery appear to be substantially higher than those of patients from most other countries, there were no differences in intraoperative and short-term complications or in overall outcomes during follow-up when compared with published studies.