Inpatient Glycemic Protocol for Patients with Diabetes Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery and the perioperative management of type 2 diabetes: Practical guidelines

BACKGROUND

Metabolic surgery is now considered as a therapeutic option in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, few data are available regarding perioperative management of T2D.

OBJECTIVES

To assess current practice among bariatric teams regarding perioperative management of T2D in order to propose guidelines.

METHODS

A two-round Delphi method using online surveys was employed among bariatric teams experts (surgeons, diabetologists, anesthetists, nutritionists): first round, 63 questions covering 6 topics (characteristics of experts/teams, characteristics of patients, operative technique, pre/postoperative management, diabetes remission); second round, 44 items needing clarification. They were discussed within national congress of corresponding learned societies. Consensus was defined as ≥66% agreement.

RESULTS

A total of 170 experts participated. Experts favored gastric bypass to achieve remission (76.7%). Screening for retinopathy, cardiac ultrasound, and reaching an HbA_1c<8% are required in the pre-operative period for 67%, 75.3% and 56.7% of experts, respectively. After surgery, insulin pump should not be stopped, basal insulin should be halved, and bolus insulin should be stopped except if severe hyperglycemia. DPP-IV inhibitors and metformin are preferred after surgery. Patients should be seen by a diabetologist within one month if on oral antidiabetic agents (71.8% of experts), 2 weeks if on injectable treatments (77.1% of experts), and immediately after surgery if on insulin pump (93.5% of experts). Long-term monitoring of HbA1c is necessary even if diabetes remission (100%).

CONCLUSION

Rapid postoperative modifications of blood glucose require a close monitoring and a prompt adjustment of diabetes medications.

Practical Recommendations of the Obesity Management Task Force of the European Association for the Study of Obesity for the Post-Bariatric Surgery Medical Management

Bariatric surgery is today the most effective long-term therapy for the management of patients with severe obesity, and its use is recommended by the relevant guidelines of the management of obesity in adults. Bariatric surgery is in general safe and effective, but it can cause new clinical problems and is associated with specific diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic needs. For clinicians, the acquisition of special knowledge and skills is required in order to deliver appropriate and effective care to the post-bariatric patient. In the present recommendations, the basic notions needed to provide first-level adequate medical care to post-bariatric patients are summarised. Basic information about nutrition, management of co-morbidities, pregnancy, psychological issues as well as weight regain prevention and management is derived from current evidences and existing guidelines. A short list of clinical practical recommendations is included for each item. It remains clear that referral to a bariatric multidisciplinary centre, preferably the one performing the original procedure, should be considered in case of more complex clinical situations.