Complications after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery became consensual after the NIH consensus of 1991 and the appearance of laparoscopic approach. This type of operation has a functional role (improvement of quality of life, locomotion and digestive symptoms as gastro-esophageal reflux disease), a prevention role (increase in life expectancy, reduction of risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease) and a curative role (remission of diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and arterial hypertension). The laparoscopic approach for bariatric surgery led to a major reduction of postoperative morbi-mortality. Types and rates of complications after bariatric surgery vary according to the procedure. The efficiency of each technique is closely related to its morbi-mortality rate. This concept explains the disparity concerning the choice of the adequate procedure for the patient according to the bariatric team. The risk/benefits balance evaluation must be analyzed case-bycase by each specialist of the multidisciplinary bariatric staff and explained to the patients before final decision. This preoperative period (6 to 12 months) is crucial to select good candidates for bariatric surgery and contributes to the reduction of postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary surveillance for life is mandatory to prevent and treat late complications of bariatric surgery.