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Best practice guidelines in pediatric/adolescent weight loss surgery
Caroline M Apovian1, Christina Baker, David S Ludwig
1Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics, and Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston University Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Robinson Building, Suite 4400, Boston, MA 02118, USA. caroline.apovian@bmc.org
Obesity Research
|April 1, 2005
Summary
Establishing evidence-based guidelines for pediatric/adolescent weight loss surgery (WLS) is crucial. Comprehensive screening, patient safety, and data collection are key for best practices in adolescent bariatric surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Obesity in children and adolescents is a growing public health concern.
- Weight loss surgery (WLS) is an option for severe pediatric obesity.
- Lack of established guidelines necessitates best practice development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish evidence-based guidelines for pediatric/adolescent weight loss surgery (WLS).
- To define best practices for patient safety, medical error reduction, and systems improvement.
- To recommend criteria for eligibility, assessment, treatment, and follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of English-language literature in MEDLINE (1980-2004).
- Selective review of abstracts, data extraction, and evidence grading.
- Supplementation with expert opinions and adult WLS literature.
Main Results:
- Developed evidence-based criteria for WLS eligibility, assessment, treatment, and follow-up.
- Recommended surgical procedures based on available evidence.
- Established minimum guideline requirements for data collection and patient safety.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps in knowledge necessitate caution in pediatric/adolescent WLS.
- Comprehensive patient/family screening, education, and counseling are vital for eligibility.
- Robust data collection and peer review are essential for optimal care delivery.