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Bariatric Surgery and Liver Transplantation
Duminda Suraweera1, Elena G Saab1, Gina Choi1
1Dr Suraweera is a chief medical resident/attending physician in the Department of Medicine at Olive-View Medical Center in Sylmar, California. Ms Saab is a research assistant in the Department of Surgery at the University of California at Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California. Dr Choi and Dr Saab are attending physicians in the Departments of Surgery and Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles.
Obesity is a growing public health issue linked to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a leading cause of liver transplants. Bariatric surgery may help select liver transplant recipients manage weight gain and prevent recurrent fatty liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery
Background:
- Obesity rates have significantly increased in the U.S. over recent decades.
- Obesity is a major risk factor for developing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- NASH is a primary indication for liver transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of obesity on liver transplant recipients.
- To explore the potential benefits of bariatric surgery in managing post-transplant weight gain and recurrent fatty liver disease.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews current literature on obesity, NASH, liver transplantation, and bariatric surgery outcomes.
- Analysis focuses on weight changes and recurrence of fatty liver disease in transplant recipients.
Main Results:
- Liver transplant recipients frequently experience post-operative weight gain.
- Recurrent fatty liver disease is common after transplantation and can affect long-term outcomes.
- Bariatric surgery shows promise in managing weight and potentially mitigating recurrent NASH.
Conclusions:
- Obesity poses significant challenges in liver transplantation, contributing to NASH and post-transplant complications.
- Bariatric surgery may be a viable option for select liver transplant candidates and recipients to improve outcomes.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal bariatric surgical protocols for this patient population.
