WHEN AND WHY OPERATE ELDERLY OBESE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Concurrently with the pandemic obesity is observed global aging phenomenon, with a significant increase of obesity in the elderly population. AIM: To review the indications for bariatric surgery for the elderly, mainly focusing on the morbidity and mortality of procedures. METHOD: Review of the literature in PubMed/Medline and Scielo focusing on the relationship of risk factors with different techniques of bariatric surgery in the elderly. The following descriptors were crossed in the form of AND/OR: Obesity; Bariatric surgery; Complications; Elderly. CONCLUSION: In people older than 60 years bariatric procedures represent acceptable and effective treatment option. The elderly should be treated in specialized centers with experience in major surgical procedures and low morbimortality. Going in this way, they experience the benefits of bariatric surgery with acceptable morbidity and mortality. However, age alone should not be considered as an absolute impediment for surgical indication.