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History of abuse and bariatric surgery outcomes: a systematic review

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Abstract

Background

Although there is evidence to support the relationship between abuse history and obesity, the association between abuse history and outcomes after bariatric surgery is not well-established. We aimed to summarize the current literature examining this relationship, as well as provide clinical recommendations to optimize postoperative outcomes.

Methods

PubMed and SCOPUS databases were queried to identify relevant published studies.

Results

Overall, 20 studies were included. Rates of the various types of abuse reported in the bariatric surgery population varied widely across studies, as did the methodology used to assess it. The majority of studies found no significant associations between abuse history and postoperative weight loss outcomes. The literature examining the relationship between abuse history and postoperative psychiatric outcomes was less conclusive.

Conclusions

Most current evidence demonstrates that abuse history is not associated with weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. Literature on postoperative psychiatric outcomes is mixed, and more robust studies are needed to further investigate the relationship between abuse history and postoperative psychiatric outcomes. Importantly, abuse history should not preclude patients from undergoing bariatric surgery. Of note, patients may benefit from careful monitoring for emotional distress and worsening of psychiatric comorbidities after surgery and psychiatric counseling and treatment when indicated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Upper GI and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 1510 San Pablo St., Suite 514, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    Sukriti Mohan, Agnes Premkumar & Kamran Samakar

  2. Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jamil S. Samaan

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  1. Sukriti Mohan
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  2. Jamil S. Samaan
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  4. Kamran Samakar
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Correspondence to Kamran Samakar.

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Ms. Sukriti Mohan, Dr. Jamil S. Samaan, Ms. Agnes Premkumar and Dr. Kamran Samakar have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Mohan, S., Samaan, J.S., Premkumar, A. et al. History of abuse and bariatric surgery outcomes: a systematic review. Surg Endosc 36, 4650–4673 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-022-09147-4

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