The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on bariatric surgery delivery in Edmonton, Alberta: A single-centre experience

Abstract

Delays in the delivery of bariatric surgery in Canada in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been previously explored. Understanding the potential barriers associated with these delays may help in the implementation and delivery of enhanced bariatric protocols, thereby minimizing health care system burden and improving bariatric delivery. We present the experience of a single high-volume, accredited bariatric program in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2020. Although reductions in bariatric cases occurred during lockdown months, the overall number of cases was comparable to 2019 owing to the adoption of strategies aimed at offsetting the burden of hospital resources. These strategies included optimizing patient selection, implementing bariatric Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, and minimizing unnecessary postoperative investigations to allow most patients to be discharged on postoperative day 1. We advocate to continue optimizing bariatric delivery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that so disproportionally affects those with severe obesity and its metabolic complications.