Postoperative laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients do not remember potential complications

Despite comprehensive preoperative education, patients may forget important information such as potential complications.

Patients who had undergone laparoscopic bariatric surgery were surveyed. All patients were asked to write down as many as possible of the potential complications. Preoperatively, patients had been given an educational book, two preoperative educational appointments, a test, and an informed consent discussion and form with clear presentation of complications which may occur.

There were 70 patients in this investigation (75% response rate), with 49 laparoscopic gastric bypass patients (bypass), 18 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients (band), and 3 patients who did not indicate their procedure. Patients listed an average of 5.1 complications. Complications were grouped in 12 categories for each procedure. Percentages reported by patients (bypass vs band) were: Death 34 (69%) vs. 13 (72%), Injury to GI tract/leak 14 (29%) vs. 5 (28%), Conversion 1 (2%) vs 0 (0%), CV/pulmonary issues 11 (22%) vs. 4 (22%), Stenosis/ulcer 6 (12%) vs NA, Band erosion/migration NA vs 9 (50%), Malnutrition 24 (49%) vs, 4 (22%), GI symptoms 19 (39%) vs. 6 (33%), Infection 15 (31%) vs. 10 (56%), Weight regain/inadequate loss 5 (10%) vs. 3 (17%), Thromboembolic event 7 (14%) vs. 3 (17%), and Hemorrhage 8 (16%) vs. 0 (0%).

Many patients forget some of the serious complications after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. This may have important medicolegal consequences especially during malpractice lawsuits. These data underscore the need for continual follow-up and education in this patient population.