Evidence-based German guidelines for surgery for obesity.

BACKGROUND: The young field of obesity surgery (bariatric surgery) in Germany expands as a consequence of the rapid increase of overweight and obesity. New surgical methods, minimal access techniques, and the enormous increase of scientific studies and evidence, all contribute to the success of bariatric surgery, which is the only realistic chance of permanent weight loss and regression of secondary diseases in many cases. METHODS: A systematic literature review, classification of evidence, graded recommendations, and interdisciplinary consensus. RESULTS: Obesity surgery is an integral component of the multimodal treatment of obesity, which consists of multidisciplinary evaluation and preparation, conservative and surgical treatment elements, and a life-long follow-up. The guideline confirms the body mass index (BMI)-based spectrum of indications (BMI > 40 kg/m(2) or >35 kg/m(2) with secondary diseases) and extends it through elimination of all age restrictions (>18 years and <60 years) and most of the contraindications. Precondition for surgery is the failure of a structured conservative program of 6-12 months or the expected futility of it. Type II diabetes mellitus becomes an independent indication criterion for BMI < 35 kg/m(2) (metabolic surgery). The standard techniques are gastric balloon, gastric banding, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and biliopancreatic diversion. The choice of procedure is based on profound knowledge of results, long-term effects, complications, and patient-specific circumstances. The after-care should be structured and organized long term. CONCLUSION: The S3-guidelines contain evidence-based recommendations for the indication, selection of procedure, technique, and follow-up. Patient care should improve after implementation of these guidelines in clinical practice. Compliance by decision makers and health insurers is warranted.

Obesity and Pregnancy. Guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (S3-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015-081, June 2019).

Aims Obesity is an increasing problem, even in young women of reproductive age. Obesity has a negative impact on conception, the course of pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Caring for obese pregnant women is becoming an increasingly important aspect of standard prenatal care. This guideline aims to improve the care offered to obese pregnant women. Methods This S3-guideline was compiled following a systemic search for evidence and a structured process to achieve consensus. Recommendations Evidence-based recommendations for the care of obese pregnant women were developed, which cover such as areas as preconception counselling, identification of risks, special aspects of prenatal care and prenatal diagnostic procedures, intrapartum management, and long-term effects on mother and child.

Obesity Surgery and the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: 3.9% of men and 5.2% of women in Germany suffer from second-degree obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 to <40 kg/m2), and 6.5 million persons suffer from diabetes. Obesity surgery has become established as a further treatment option alongside lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. METHODS: The guideline was created by a multidisciplinary panel of experts on the basis of publications retrieved by a systematic literature search. It was subjected to a formal consensus process and tested in public consultation. RESULTS: The therapeutic aims of surgery for obesity and/or metabolic disease are to improve the quality of life and to prolong life by countering the life-shortening effect of obesity and its comorbidities. These interventions are superior to conservative treatments and are indicated when optimal non-surgical multimodal treatment has been tried without benefit, in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m², or else in patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² who also have one or more of the accompanying illnesses that are associated with obesity. A primary indication without any prior trial of conservative treatment exists if the patient has a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m², if conservative treatment is considered unlikely to help, or if especially severe comorbidities and sequelae of obesity are present that make any delay of surgical treatment inadvisable. Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes is indicated (with varying recommendation grades) for patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², and as a primary indication for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m². The currently established standard operations are gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, proximal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, omega-loop gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion. CONCLUSION: No single standard technique can be recommended in all cases. In the presence of an appropriate indication, the various surgical treatment options for obesity and/or metabolic disease should be discussed with the patient.