Postoperative pathways in minimally invasive bariatric surgery

Abstract

Obesity has become one of the greatest public health threats of our time, impacting a significant segment of the world, s population. This epidemic has increased the demand for therapies to achieve weight loss and resolve associated comorbidities. Surgery has been proven to be the most effective modality. The number of surgical procedures performed annually in the United States and worldwide continues to rise. Along with improving and refining bariatric procedures, clinicians have endeavored to improve perioperative care. Evidence-based postoperative care pathways have been standardized to decrease postoperative complications, improve resource utilization, and lower costs.