3D Optical Imaging as a New Tool for the Objective Evaluation of Body Shape Changes After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment option for obesity. It results in massive weight loss and improvement of obesity-related diseases. At the same time, it leads to a drastic change in body shape. These body shape changes are mainly measured by two-dimensional measurement methods, such as hip and waist circumference. These measurement methods suffer from significant measurement errors and poor reproducibility. Here, we present a three-dimensional measurement tool of the torso that can provide an objective and reproducible source for the detection of body shape changes after bariatric surgery.

In this study, 25 bariatric patients were scanned with Artec EVA®, an optical three-dimensional mobile scanner up to 1 week before and 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed, and the volume of the torso, the abdominal circumference and distances between specific anatomical landmarks were calculated. The results of the processed three-dimensional measurements were compared with clinical data concerning weight loss and waist circumference.

The volume of the torso decreased after bariatric surgery. Loss of volume correlated strongly with weight loss 6 months after the operation (r = 0.6425, p = 0.0005). Weight loss and three-dimensional processed data correlated better (r = 0.6121, p = 0.0011) than weight loss and waist circumference measured with a measuring tape (r = 0.3148, p = 0.1254).

Three-dimensional imaging provides an objective and reproducible source for the detection of body shape changes after bariatric surgery. We recommend its use for the evaluation of central obesity, particularly for research issues and body imaging before and after bariatric surgery.