The article "Bariatric Surgery is as Safe as Other Common Operations" presents a comprehensive analysis that compares the safety of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) with other frequently performed surgical procedures.
The study, based on data from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), was presented at the ASMBS Annual Conference in June 2023 and subsequently published in the SOARD journal.
The research aimed to address the reluctance of some primary care physicians (PCPs) and surgeons from other specialties to refer patients for MBS due to safety concerns. By analyzing the outcomes of patients who underwent MBS, specifically laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in comparison to nine other common operations, including hip arthroplasty, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colectomy, hysterectomy, and hernia repairs, among others, the study provided valuable insights into the safety profile of MBS.
The findings revealed that MBS demonstrates a remarkably promising safety profile in the short-term, with low odds of readmission, reoperation, extended length of stay, and mortality.
Furthermore, infectious and thrombotic complications were found to be exceedingly rare compared to other procedures.
The study's results suggest that healthcare providers, including PCPs and specialists from other surgical disciplines, can be more confident in referring patients for these life-saving operations based on their exceptional perioperative safety and long-term benefits.In conclusion, the study's findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery as a vital treatment option for obesity and weight-related medical conditions. The research aims to inform and reassure healthcare professionals about the safety of MBS, ultimately encouraging more referrals for this potentially life-saving intervention.