Edited by Dr Mariano Palermo.
Collection published in Annals of Surgical Innovation and Research.
Obesity is one of the major epidemics of the twenty-first century. Over two thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and over one third are obese, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The prevalence of obesity in the USA continues to be high, exceeding 30% in most sex and age groups. Prevalence estimates in European countries varies widely from country to country, with higher prevalence in central, eastern, and southern Europe.
Obesity is well known to be closely related to much comorbidity: coronary heart disease and stroke, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, muscular and joint pain, degenerative osteoarthritis, many types of cancer and psychiatric disorders such as depression and eating disorders. The repercussion of obesity and its related disorders does not only lead to a reduction in life expectancy, but also to the development of severe physical and psychosocial impairment, a reduction in quality of life.
The selection of the adequate bariatric procedure should be customized to patient preferences with the support of an interdisciplinary team, preferably in a specialized high-volume bariatric surgery center.
Complications are uncommon but when they occur the bariatric team has to have all the tools to solve these complications with minimally invasive approaches (Endoscopic and percutaneous).
Nowadays laparoscopic gastric by pass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are the most common performed procedures.