Medical imaging's role in bariatric surgery

Approximately 72 million Americans, or one third of U.S. adults, are obese. Bariatric surgery, the use of surgical procedures to alter the digestive tract, is the only treatment that results in major, long-term weight loss; it also can resolve obesity-related diseases. Its use has increased markedly in the past decade, and radiographic imaging plays an important role in assessing patients before surgery, along with identifying complications after surgery. The modalities used most frequently are ultrasound, gastrointestinal contrast studies, computed tomography and fluoroscopy. Radiologic technologists must be prepared for the technical, equipment and occupational safety challenges faced by imaging obese patients. This article is a Directed Reading. Your access to Directed Reading quizzes for continuing education credit is determined by your continuing education preference. For access to other quizzes, go to www.asrt.org/store.