Interdisciplinary European guidelines on metabolic and bariatric surgery

Abstract

In 2012, an outstanding expert panel derived from IFSO-EC (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity -European Chapter) and EASO (European Association for the Study of Obesity), composed by key representatives of both Societies including past and present presidents together with EASO's OMTF (Obesity Management Task Force) chair, agreed to devote the joint Medico-Surgical Workshop of both institutions to the topic of metabolic surgery as a pre-satellite of the 2013 European Congress on Obesity (ECO) to be held in Liverpool given the extraordinarily advancement made specifically in this field during the past years. It was further agreed to revise and update the 2008 Interdisciplinary European Guidelines on Surgery of Severe Obesity produced in cooperation of both Societies by focusing in particular on the evidence gathered in relation to the effects on diabetes during this lustrum and the subsequent changes that have taken place in patient eligibility criteria. The expert panel composition allowed the coverage of key disciplines in the comprehensive management of obesity and obesity-associated diseases, aimed specifically at updating the clinical guidelines to reflect current knowledge, expertise and evidence-based data on metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Results of Implementing an Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery (ERABS) Protocol

“…In order to achieve standardization of the treatment process, the ERABS protocol has been composed by a multidisciplinary team that consisted of delegates from all involved departments [21]. The protocol and possible adjustments to this protocol are discussed within this team on a monthly basis.…”

Obese Adolescents Report Better Health-Related Quality of Life than Obese Young Adults

“…Guidelines for the use of bariatric surgery in adolescents are usually conservative, requiring body mass index (BMI) levels equivalent to adults or greater (equating to a larger departure from normal), major obesity-related complications, having attained or almost attained physiological maturity, having failed formally supervised lifestyle and behavioral programs, and having the knowledge and capacity to provide informed consent [1,3,4]. A recent review of bariatric surgery in children and adolescents examined 23 studies with a total of 637 patients and a mean age in the combined studies of 16.6 years [5].…”

Barriers in the Approach of Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in Flemish Hospitals

“…The Interdisciplinary European Guidelines advise to involve a dietitian and/or nutritionist in the multidisciplinary team [22]. Registered dietitians can help patients making informed choices regarding bariatric surgery, and they can educate and counsel them during postoperative follow-up as adjustment of their eating behavior and lifestyle is required to obtain optimal outcomes of surgery [23][24][25].…”