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A clinical pathway for the evaluation of bariatric surgery patients

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity is being performed in increasing numbers. Nearly one-third of American adults are obese. The cost of obesity in the United States exceeds $120 billion. Approximately 120,000 weight loss surgeries are expected to be performed in the year 2003, an increase from 80,000 surgeries in 2002. General surgeons in the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia are desperately scrambling to learn these complex operations in order to satisfy the booming patient demand for weight loss surgery. The membership of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery has increased four-fold in ten years. Many surgeons are scheduled for up to 12 months in advance for weight loss surgeries. A vast number of weight-related comorbidities are associated with morbid obesity; these illnesses contribute to the early mortality of morbid obesity. Preoperative testing minimizes complications by diagnosing medical conditions heretofore unrecognized. Completion of preoperative testing may take months. Furthermore, extensive patient education is required so that patients are aware of the complexity of bariatric procedures, and are willing and able to comply with postoperative lifestyle changes, including a specialized diet, exercise regimen, vitamin supplementation, and close follow-up with the bariatric surgeon. This clinical pathway is designed to streamline the evaluation and education of the prospective bariatric surgery patient and to identify any previously undiagnosed comorbid illnesses so as to improve the efficiency of a bariatric surgical practice.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Giselle Hamad, Assistant Professor of Surgery

Department: Med-Surgery

Name: Gina Kozak, Physician's Assistant

Department:

Name: Janet Lynn

Department:

Name: Deborah Scocco

Department:

Name: Karen Veltre

Department:

Country/Region

USA