Global Variations in Practices after Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery; the PARTNER Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: With over 1 billion individuals affected globally, obesity and obesity related diseases is now a leading cause of death. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has emerged as a cornerstone intervention for severe obesity and its associated comorbidities. Despite its efficacy, postoperative care and follow-up after MBS remains highly variable worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The PARTNER study aimed to evaluate global clinical practices in the postoperative management following MBS by surveying multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. METHODS: This study was an international online survey conducted between October 2024 and January 2025. A multidisciplinary team developed the questionnaire based on existing literature and international guidelines. The survey assessed five domains: follow-up care, postoperative treatment, dietary management, patient support, and measurement of surgical outcomes. Responses were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 262 responses were received from 62 countries. Most respondents were bariatric surgeons (72.1%) working in public healthcare systems (73.3%). While 78.7% reported conducting three-month postoperative reviews, only 23.7% offered indefinite follow-up. Hybrid models of care (virtual and in-person) were common (56.9%). VTE prophylaxis and postoperative PPI use were recommended by 64.1% and 84.3% respectively. Nearly all respondents (98.1%) provided dietary advice, with protein and micronutrient supplementation widely endorsed. Only 56.1% routinely referred patients for psychological follow-up. Definitions of surgical success and failure varied widely, with inconsistent objective outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The PARTNER study reveals significant international variation in postoperative management practices following MBS. These findings underscore the need for more standardized, evidence-based guidelines to improve long-term outcomes and equity of care worldwide.
Source: Obesity Surgery
Authors: Danielle Clyde, Callum Grant, Juan Andres Aguiar Canales, Reza Adib, Sarfaraz Baig, Aparna G. Bhasker, David Cameron, Copaescu Catalin, Ken Clare, Andrew de Beaux, Gillian Drummond, Hayssam Fawal, Martin Fried, Yitka Graham, Ramen Goel, Kasey Goodpaster, Eric Hazebroek, George Hopkins, Farah Husain, Anita Jatana, Brian Joyce, Mohammad Kermansaravi, Shanu Kothari, Lillian Kow, Silvia Leite, Brij Madhok, David Mahon, Karl Miller, Alex Miras, Violeta Moize, Manoel G Neto, Abdelrahman Nimeri, Mary O’Kane, Ralph Peterli, Luis Poggi, Denise Ratcliffe, Nasser Sakran, Paulina Salminen, Rupa Sarkar, Jon Shenfine, Rishi Singhal, Stephanie Sogg, Erik Stenberg, Michel Suter, Safwan Taha, Abd Tahrani, Ramon Vilallonga, Kelvin Voon, Richard Welbourn, Carlos Zerrweck, Osama Moussa, James Byrne, Peter Lamb, Chetan Parmar, Omar Ghanem, Kamal K. Mahawar, Andrew G. N. Robertson, Wah Yang
Institutions: Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, University of Edinburgh, Wesley Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Leeds Beckett University, Makassed General Hospital, University of Sunderland, Wockhardt Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Rijnstate Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, Apollo Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Prisma Health, Flinders Medical Centre, Universidade de Brasília, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton & Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Universität Innsbruck, University of Ulster, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Orlando Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St. Claraspital, Bar-Ilan University, Holy Family Hospital Nazareth, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Government of Jersey, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Örebro University, Hôpital Riviera-Chablais, University of Lausanne, University of Birmingham, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Southampton General Hospital, Whittington Hospital, University College London, Mayo Clinic, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,590
OpenAlex ID: W4416097996