The Newfoundland and Labrador Bariatric Surgery Cohort Study: Rational and Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery outcomes
• Obesity management
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) is increasing in Canada, posing significant health risks.
• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a rapidly growing bariatric procedure.
• Eastern Health in Newfoundland and Labrador performs approximately 100 LSG surgeries annually.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-to-mid-term outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) in a Canadian population.
• To assess complications, weight loss, comorbidity resolution, quality of life, and healthcare utilization post-LSG.
• To provide data for evidence-based practice and health policy development in severe obesity management.

Main Methods:

• A population-based prospective cohort study of 200 patients undergoing LSG.
• Pre- and post-surgical assessments at multiple time points up to 2-4 years.
• Evaluation of complications, nutritional status, weight changes, comorbidities, quality of life, and healthcare costs.

Main Results:

• Hypothesized low complication rates and significant weight reduction.
• Expected improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities and reduced medication needs.
• Anticipated enhancement in patient-reported quality of life and decreased healthcare utilization and costs.

Conclusions:

• LSG demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for severe obesity.
• Further data on LSG's impact will inform clinical practice and health policy.
• This study contributes valuable insights into the real-world effectiveness of LSG.