Management of obesity--the role of surgery.

Author: Brown W, Dixon JB, Brien PO

Author affiliation: Center for Obesity Research and Education, Department of Surgery, Monash University Alfred Hospital, Victoria. wendy.brown@med.monash.edu.au

Publication date & source: 2006.08, Aust Fam Physician., 35(8):584-6.

Publication type: Review

BACKGROUND: Obesity is rapidly becoming Australia's biggest health care issue. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the role of surgery, in particular laparascopic adjustable gastric banding, in the management of obesity. DISCUSSION: The acceptability and uptake of surgery as a solution to obesity has, in the past, been low. This is largely due to the risks of bypass and stapling procedures, as well as the lack of long term efficacy. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has, over the past 13 years, proven not only to be safe, but effective both in terms of weight loss and control of the comorbidities associated with obesity. It is currently the most effective solution we have available for patients who suffer from obesity.