A Review of Bariatric Surgery Procedures and Outcomes

Hur, Yoonseok

Abstract

The epidemic of obesity has grown over the decade and is now a worldwide public health problem. The prevalence of obese patients has been increasing despite many studies on obesity. There are many different methods to manage obesity; diet, exercise, behavior modification, weight loss program, pharmacotherapy and surgery. However, there is an accumulating agreement on bariatric surgery as being currently the most effective and enduring treatment for severe obesity which usually cause comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, non alcoholic fatty liver disease, depression etc. Currently laparoscopic adjustable gastric band and laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass are the predominant procedures for treatment of severe obesity. The outcomes of surgical treatment for weight loss and comorbidities along with complications of some surgical procedures will be reviewed. The bariatric surgery patients undergo many dramatic lifestyle changes and they feel much better after the surgery in terms of activities and recovery from comorbidities. Comparison of mortality rate between surgery group and non-surgery group shows that patients who have received surgery will have a ninefold reduction in the risk of mortality. Bariatric surgery has been evolving in terms of instruments and techniques. The studies have contributed to the understanding of the mechanism and physiology of its effectiveness and complications. In Korea, obese population is increasing but many patients and some doctors are negative towards bariatric surgery. There are only few data on bariatric surgery for obesity among Koreans but so many studies indicate the need for surgical treatment in severe obesity. Therefore, we have to consider surgical treatment as an option for severely obese patients.