Authors' objectives:

The objective was to assess the effects of different techniques of surgery for people suffering from morbid obesity. The clinical endpoints were weight loss, impact on comorbidity factors, quality of life, mortality and complications of surgery.

Authors' recommendations: Gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch gives the greatest weight losses. However, these methods are comprehensive, and biliopancreatic diversion gives serious malabsorptive disorders. In comparison, gastric banding gives lower weight-reduction but fewer short-term complications and reoperations. Surgery should be undertaken only after comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment. A centre of expertise in the surgical management of obesity should be established including healthcare professionals such as psychologists, physician, a specialist surgeon, a specialist anaesthetist, physiotherapist, endocrinologist and dieticians. People considering surgery to achieve weight reduction should discuss in detail with appropriate healthcare professionals the potential benefits and long-term implications of surgery. This includes associated risks, complications and postoperative mortality.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nokc.no/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Norway

Organisation Name: Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Contact Address: Universitetsgata 2, Postbox 7004 St. Olavs plass, NO-0310 Oslo NORWAY. Tel: +47 23 25 50 00; Fax: +47 23 25 50 10;

Contact Name: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Contact Email: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Copyright: The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services