Safety, quality and excellence in bariatric surgery

Area of Science:

• Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• Public Health
• Surgical Quality Improvement

Background:

• The prevalence of obesity has tripled globally in two decades, causing significant mortality and comorbidities.
• In Europe, 150 million adults and 15 million children are affected, with obesity contributing to 1 million annual deaths.
• Bariatric surgery offers substantial weight reduction (61%) and improves obesity-related comorbidities, but carries procedural risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the critical importance of safety, quality, and efficacy in bariatric surgery for severely obese patients.
• To introduce the concept and requirements for Centres of Excellence (COE) in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
• To highlight the role of the European Accreditation Council for Bariatric Surgery (EAC-BS) in quality control and establishing a European network of COEs.

Main Methods:

• Defining criteria for surgeon and institutional accreditation through the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO).
• Establishing the European Accreditation Council for Bariatric Surgery (EAC-BS) for independent evaluation and certification.
• Promoting application to EAC-BS for surgeons and institutions meeting COE requirements.

Main Results:

• The abstract outlines the framework and requirements for establishing Centres of Excellence (COE) in bariatric surgery.
• It details the role of the EAC-BS in accrediting institutions and surgeons based on IFSO standards.
• The initiative aims to create a European network of COEs to enhance surgical care.

Conclusions:

• Accreditation by organizations like EAC-BS is crucial for ensuring high standards in bariatric and metabolic surgery.
• A European network of certified Centres of Excellence will promote safety, quality, and superior patient outcomes.
• Establishing COEs is vital for managing the growing burden of obesity through effective surgical interventions.