Evaluation of pre-bariatric aspects: Strategies for optimizing safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for management of obesity

Abstract

Ahmed Ahmed.

Background and aims: Obesity is main risk factor for diverse physiological and socio-psychological conditions and premature mortality. Weight loss has been an important strategy for decreasing obesity related mortality. Bariatric surgery is getting wider acceptance as popular treatment option for obesity due to limitations of other treatment methods. Various pre-bariatric aspects can contradict the surgical intervention and result in postoperative complications if not properly assessed. This review assesses these aspects for identifying the points that affect the desired clinical outcomes and safety of bariatric surgery.
Materials and Methods: Springer database, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scifinder were searched for literature.
Results: Studies reveal that the obese individuals should be properly investigated for various psychiatric issues before subjecting them to bariatric surgery. Studies further suggest specific psychological interventions for obese individuals with severe psychiatric issues prior to bariatric surgery. The obese individuals should also be properly assessed and educated for their eating behavior, lifestyle changes and available social support so safety and efficacy of bariatric interventions remains well intact. Selection of bariatric procedure should be made on evaluation of factors such as disease conditions, current treatment and postoperative complications.
Conclusion: Improved outcomes and safety of bariatric surgery can be concluded from assessment of pre-bariatric psychiatric aspects, available social support and rational selection of surgical method.