Status of the Field of Bariatric Surgery: a National Survey of China in 2018

Asia's Growing Contribution to Obesity Surgery Research: A 40-year Bibliometric Analysis

Bariatric metabolic surgery's global research interest is growing, particularly in Asia due to its high obesity rates. This study focuses on Asia, especially China, analyzing 3904 publications (1221 from China) from 1980 to 2022. Research output accelerated until the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by economic growth and rising obesity rates. China led contributions from 2010, but Western Asia led when adjusted for population. An intra-regional research collaboration network emerged, driven by geographic proximity and similar economic environments. Keyword analysis highlighted emerging topics like "laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy" and "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," indicating a shift in focus. The study recommends disseminating research in top-tier journals to enhance visibility and impact.

Role of the exercise professional in metabolic and bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is important for the long-term health and weight management of patients who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the roles of exercise professionals in MBS settings have not been systematically determined.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate: (1) who are the professionals implementing PA programming in MBS clinical settings; and (2) what patient-centric tasks do they perform?

SETTING

Clinical and academic exercise settings worldwide.

METHODS

This multimethod study included a scoping review of PA programs in MBS described in the research literature. Data about job tasks were extracted and provided to 10 experts to sort into categories. Cluster analysis was utilized to find the hierarchical structure of tasks. A Delphi process was used to agree on a final model.

RESULTS

The majority of PA professionals were exercise physiologists in the USA and physiotherapists or other types of exercise professionals elsewhere. Forty-three tasks were identified, the most reported being supervision of exercise, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Seven higher-order categories were determined: (1) Exercise-related health assessment, (2) Body composition and physical fitness assessment, (3) Lifestyle physical activity and sedentary behavior assessment, (4) Education, instruction, and prescription, (5) Exercise monitoring, (6) Behavioral counseling and psychosocial support, and (7) Dietary support. The following statements were rated an average of 9.0, classifying them as "imperative": 1) "Pre- and postoperative PA/exercise guidelines for MBS patients are needed", 2) "MBS programs need to include PA/exercise as part of multidisciplinary care".

CONCLUSIONS

The expert group reached a consensus on 7 major classifications of job tasks for the exercise professional. It is important for governing medical associations across the world to formally recognize experienced exercise professionals as playing pivotal roles in continuing, multidisciplinary care for MBS patients. These findings also provide evidence-based information in the effort to solidify these positions within the greater context of healthcare.

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery and Medical Insurance Payment in China

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper briefly introduces the status quo of bariatric and metabolic surgery and medical insurance payment in China.

RECENT FINDINGS

Along with China's rapid economic growth, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes is increasing quickly. Because of their high body fat percentage and predominance of abdominal obesity, Chinese people experience metabolic disorders more frequently than Caucasians with the same BMI. Treatments are not medical because there is a lack of social understanding of obesity. Furthermore, obesity has not been accepted as a disease in China and so has not been included in the medical insurance payment system. Therefore, weight-loss medications are not covered by medical insurance. In China, bariatric and metabolic surgery have advanced for almost 20 years, and corresponding guidelines have been developed. However, there are regional and cognitive variations in whether medical insurance covers bariatric surgery or not. Recent research on the financial advantages of medical insurance coverage for weight-loss surgery showed that it conserves healthcare system resources. It will be important to raise public awareness regarding obesity in the future, present more evidence of the clinical efficacy of surgery, and work towards a higher percentage of medical insurance reimbursement for obesity treatment and bariatric surgery.

Role of the exercise professional in metabolic and bariatric surgery

Background

Physical activity (PA) is important for the long-term health and weight management of patients who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the roles of exercise professionals in MBS settings have not been systematically determined.

Objectives

To investigate: (1) who are the professionals implementing PA programming in MBS clinical settings; and (2) what patient-centric tasks do they perform?

Setting

Clinical and academic exercise settings worldwide.

Methods

This multimethod study included a scoping review of PA programs in MBS described in the research literature. Data about job tasks were extracted and provided to 10 experts to sort into categories. Cluster analysis was utilized to find the hierarchical structure of tasks. A Delphi process was used to agree on a final model.

Results

The majority of PA professionals were exercise physiologists in the USA and physiotherapists or other types of exercise professionals elsewhere. Forty-three tasks were identified, the most reported being: supervision of exercise, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Seven higher-order categories were determined: (1) Exercise-related health assessment, (2) Body composition and physical fitness assessment, (3) Lifestyle physical activity and sedentary behavior assessment, (4) Education, instruction, and prescription, (5) Exercise monitoring, (6) Behavioral counseling and psychosocial support, and (7) Dietary support. The following statements were rated an average of 9.0, classifying them as "imperative": 1) "Pre- and post-operative PA/exercise guidelines for MBS patients are needed", 2) "MBS programs need to include PA/exercise as part of multidisciplinary care".

Conclusions

The expert group reached a consensus on 7 major classifications of job tasks for the exercise professional. It is important for governing medical associations across the world to formally recognize experienced exercise professionals as playing pivotal roles in continuing, multidisciplinary care for MBS patients. These findings also provide evidence-based information in the effort to solidify these positions within the greater context of healthcare.

Bibliometric and Correlation Analysis of Bariatric Surgery Researches in Asia-Pacific from 2000 to 2021

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery has grown in popularity over the past two decades, especially in the Asia-Pacific. Correspondingly, researchers' interest in this field has also increased. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of publications from Asia-Pacific represented by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders Asia-Pacific Chapter (IFSO-APC) and investigate the relevant factors that might affect the publications.

METHODS

The search terms for bariatric surgery were searched in Web of Science focusing on the period 2000-2021. Bibliometric analysis was performed after screening the search results. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the number of publications and corresponding indicators obtained from official agencies.

RESULTS

A total of 9,547 publications in IFSO-APC were retrieved, of which China had the largest number with 2,782 publications. Authors and journals with major contributions were listed. The authors' or affiliations' cooperation networks mainly were limited to domestic. "Bariatric surgery" was the most frequent keyword with 2,063 times and also the largest cluster. "Morbid obesity" was the strongest citation bursts. Multivariate analysis found that the number of publications in each country/region was associated with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, gross domestic product, and total population.

CONCLUSION

Generally, Asia-Pacific represented by IFSO-APC scientific publications on bariatric surgery has grown significantly in the last two decades, but cooperation between countries/regions should be strengthened. "Morbid obesity" is the focus and frontier of research in this field.

Determination of weight loss effectiveness evaluation indexes and establishment of a nomogram for forecasting the probability of effectiveness of weight loss in bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research was to determine the index that contributes the most to assessing the effectiveness of weight loss 1 year following bariatric surgery and to implement it as the clinical outcome to develop and confirm a nomogram to predict whether bariatric surgery would be effective.

METHODS

Patient information was extracted from the Chinese Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Database for this retrospective study. The most contributing weight loss effectiveness evaluation index was created using canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and the predictors were screened using logistic regression analysis. A nomogram for estimating the likelihood of effectiveness of weight loss was constructed, and its performance was further verified.

RESULTS

Information was obtained for 540 patients, including 30 variables. According to the CCA, ≥25 percentage total weight loss was found to be the most correlated with patient information and contribute the most as a weight loss effectiveness evaluation index. Logistic regression analysis and nomogram scores identified age, surgical strategy, abdominal circumference, weight loss history, and hyperlipidemia as predictors of effectiveness in weight loss. The prediction model's discrimination, accuracy, and clinical benefit were demonstrated by the consistency index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors determined a 25 percentage total weight loss as an index for weight loss effectiveness assessment by CCA and next established and validated a nomogram, which demonstrated promising performance in predicting the probability of effectiveness of weight loss in bariatric surgery. The nomogram might be a valuable tool in clinical practice.

Formulation and interpretation of the Chinese Guidelines for Surgical Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity and related metabolic diseases have become one of the world's most serious public health problems. Bariatric surgery has gone through a long and difficult development process, from being rejected to gradually recognized, then widely accepted, and finally becoming the "gold standard" for the treatment of morbid obesity with metabolic diseases. Procedures have constantly been improving and evolving as the concept of bariatric surgery has been reappraised. The comparison and selection of different procedures, the emergence of new technologies and treatment methods, and the in-depth study of the mechanism of metabolic weight loss surgery are effectively promoting the rapid development of bariatric surgery. This article looks at both the 2014 and 2019 editions of the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from the Chinese Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (CSMBS), its review the development of bariatric surgery, and it describes surgical indications and contraindications, the mechanism of weight loss, and tailored selection of the surgical procedure in order to serve as a reference.

Metabolic surgery in China: present and future

Obesity and its related complications comprise a serious public health problem worldwide, and obesity is increasing in China. Metabolic surgery is a new type of treatment with unique advantages in weight loss and obesity-related metabolic complications. The pathogenesis of obesity is complex and not yet fully understood. Here, we review the current efficacy and safety of metabolic surgery, as well as recent progress in mechanistic studies and surgical procedures in China. The exciting and rapid advances in this field provide new opportunities for patients with obesity and strike a balance between long-term effectiveness and safety.

Clinical management and treatment of obesity in China

China has one of the largest populations with obesity in the world, and obesity has become a major challenge for the country's health-care system. Current guidelines for obesity management are not adequately supported by evidence from clinical studies in Chinese populations. Effective lifestyle interventions suitable for Chinese populations are scarce, insufficient weight-loss medications have been approved by regulatory bodies, and there is low acceptance of non-lifestyle interventions (ie, medications and surgery) among both health-care providers and the general public. Large, well designed, and well implemented clinical trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base for the clinical management of obesity in China. Obesity management can be improved through use of a tiered system involving health management centres, integrated lifestyle interventions and medical treatments, strengthened obesity education and training, and use of advanced electronic health technologies. Resource mobilisation, support from major stakeholders for people with overweight or obesity, and education and changes to social norms among the wider public are also needed. National health policies should prioritise both obesity prevention and improvement of the treatment and management of obesity.

A Qualitative Exploration of Patients' Experiences with Lifestyle Changes After Sleeve Gastrectomy in China

PURPOSE

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most widely used surgical treatment for severe obesity worldwide. Individuals who have undergone SG usually need to change lifestyle behaviors as a response to the anatomical changes imposed by SG, and patients need to sustain lifestyle changes for long-term surgical success. Little is known about how patients experience and manage lifestyle changes following SG. In China, where SG comprises over 70% of bariatric surgical procedures, there have been no reports addressing this issue. This study aimed to describe individuals' experiences related to lifestyle changes after SG in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the Shanghai Huashan Hospital in China with adults who had undergone SG between 2012 and 2018. Two independent researchers used an interpretive thematic approach to analyze transcripts for themes and sub-themes.

RESULTS

Interviews (N = 15) revealed three major themes of participants' experiences with postoperative lifestyle changes: advantages outweigh disadvantages; developing self-management strategies (i.e., adopting new behaviors and developing habits, continuing self-monitoring, focusing on health over weight, staying determined); and experiencing culture-specific difficulties in adherence to follow-up visits and lifestyle recommendations.

CONCLUSION

The data from this study provided a rich description of the postoperative experiences of patients in China. Participants reported that surgical benefits supersede the surgery-related side effects, and participants were able to develop self-management strategies in order to achieve success. However, personal and social barriers, such as the challenges of applying postoperative dietary guidelines into daily practice, may impede patients making and sustaining recommended behavioral changes.

Chinese Survey on Enhanced Recovery after Surgery and Thromboprophylaxis Following Arthroplasty

Objective

To examine the current perspectives of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and the clinical practice applications of important ERAS principles among Chinese orthopaedic surgeons.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using an online survey that was completed between November and December 2018. A 16‐item online questionnaire regarding the experiences of ERAS, perceptions of methods, and durations and concerns of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis was sent to 2000 orthopaedic surgeons nationwide, and 1720 (86%) surgeons responded. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess all respondents' results and to compare differences among subgroups that were stratified according to city and hospital level, as well as their professional title.

Results

According to the results of the survey, ERAS awareness was high (65.1%) and most surgeons recognized the importance of thromboprophylaxis. However, the timing of ERAS was not consistent, with 22.8%, 31.9%, and 37.7% of surgeons choosing to initiate pharmaceutical prophylaxis within <6 h, 6–12 h, and 12–24 h after surgery, respectively. Low‐molecular‐weight heparin was mainly selected during hospitalization, and new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were the first choice after discharge. Regarding postoperative antithrombotic therapy, particularly when combined with analgesics, the potential bleeding risk was mostly considered (80.0%)Tranexamic acid was believed to have no effect on the timing of NOAC therapy initiation (56.2%). Most of the above outcomes were influenced by the hospital level and professional title of the surgeon. Surgeons who had higher awareness on ERAS and better adhered to the guidelines were from higher‐level hospitals as well as had more advanced professional titles. City level partly might influence their practice but not impact surgeons' awareness.

Conclusions

The awareness and perception of the concept of ERAS and prophylactic antithrombotic regimens remain different among Chinese orthopaedic surgeons in different level cities and with various professional titles. Continuing medical educations (CME) on VTE prophylaxis is needed for improving the quality of health care in China.