Characteristics in pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a major public health issue.
• Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective treatment but underutilized in adolescents.
• Existing research on pediatric MBS utilization is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utilization trends and characteristics of pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in the United States.
• To identify demographic disparities in MBS access among adolescents.
• To understand the evolving landscape of surgical interventions for severe pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) from 2009 to 2016.
• Examination of annual procedure rates per 100,000 US adolescents.
• Stratification of MBS utilization by race and ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Pediatric MBS utilization increased from 2.98 to 4.94 per 100,000 adolescents.
• White children received the highest proportion of MBS.
• Significant increases in MBS utilization were observed among Black and Hispanic children, yet a racial bias persists.

Conclusions:

• While pediatric MBS utilization is growing, significant racial disparities remain.
• Further provider education and research are crucial to address the utilization gap in minority populations.
• Targeted interventions are needed to ensure equitable access to MBS for all eligible adolescents.