Seminars in pediatric sugery pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery

Childhood obesity is an increasing health problem for U.S. children. Along with obesity, these children can have early onset of chronic and progressive obesity related conditions. Obesity in childhood predicts increased morbidity and mortality as an adult. A review of relevant recent articles was carried out. National trends and demographics are reviewed. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Pediatric Committee and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have published recommendations and guidelines for pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Referral for metabolic and bariatric surgery evaluation should occur early as soon as child is recognized to suffer from severe obesity disease. Efforts should be made to be as inclusive as possible in making this important treatment available to children with clinical obesity. A strict multidisciplinary team approach is crucial to providing all the facets of MBS care that can help to set these patients up for success. Pediatric patients with obesity can benefit from MBS. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been successful in long-term excess body weight loss, and also resolution of co-morbidities associated with pediatric obesity. Factors have been identified which help to identify patients who are more or less likely to successfully progress through an MBS program.