[Nursing care for bariatric surgery patients]

The sedentary lifestyle, common to most modern societies, has turned obesity into an increasingly prevalent and universal problem. Obesity correlates positively with many diseases and health risk factors. Medical therapies currently used to treat obesity are generally limited in terms of long-term effectiveness. Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Special nursing care considerations for bariatric surgery include providing wider cuffs for blood pressure checks, preventing deep venous thrombosis and post operation dietary education in order to accommodate changes in the gastrointestinal system. The purposes of this article were to introduce obesity therapy trends as well as to share nursing care principles for those undergoing bariatric surgery.

Drastic measures

The number of surgical procedures for obesity in the NHS has increased by 40 per cent in a year. However, primary care follow-up could improve.

Best practice updates for nursing care in weight loss surgery

The objective of this study is to update evidence-based best practice guidelines for nursing in weight loss surgery (WLS). We performed a systematic search of English-language literature on WLS and perioperative nursing, postoperative, anesthesia, and discharge published between April 2004 and May 2007 in MEDLINE, CINHAL and the Cochrane Library. Key words were used to narrow the search for a selective review of abstracts, retrieval of full articles, and grading of evidence according to systems used in established evidence-based models. From these, we developed evidence-based best practice recommendations from the most recent literature on nursing in WLS. We identified >54 papers; the most relevant were reviewed in detail. Regular updates of evidence-based recommendations for best practices in WLS nursing are required to address advances in surgery and anesthesiology, as well as changes in the demographics and levels of obesity in WLS patients. Key factors in patient safety include staff education, comprehensive admission assessment, patient education, careful preoperative surveillance and postoperative care, and long-term discharge follow-up.

Surgical treatment for obesity: ensuring success

In the United States, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Serious medical complications, impaired quality of life, and premature mortality are all associated with obesity. Medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or sleep apnea can improve or be cured with weight loss. Medical treatment programs focused on diet, behavior modification, and/or pharmacologic intervention have met with limited long-term success. Although surgical treatments for obesity have become popular in recent years, they should only be used as a last resort for weight loss. Not all patients can be considered appropriate candidates for surgery; therefore, guidelines based on criteria from the National Institutes of Health should be used preoperatively to help identify suitable persons. Most individuals who opt for weight-loss surgery have usually struggled for many years with losing weight and keeping it off, but surgery alone will not ensure successful weight loss. Patient education is imperative for long-term success. Moreover, any such educational regimen should include information on diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and lifestyle changes, as well as expected weight-loss results and improvements in comorbid conditions. Patients must be willing to commit to a long-term follow-up program intended to promote successful weight loss and weight maintenance and to prevent metabolic and nutritional complications.

Handling of the Bariatric Patient in Critical Care: A Case Study of Lessons Learned

Bariatric admissions across the United States (US) are increasing at an alarming rate. The obesity epidemic costs the US health care system $70 billion per year. Many bariatric surgical and medical patients are admitted to critical care units. The mortality risks for these patients compared with non-bariatric patients is up to 2:1. Managing these patients is a challenge to health care nursing personnel. Patient size, care required, equipment technology, availability, and environmental space can increase risk for injury for nursing personnel and patients. The Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg shares a case study of an admission of a 697-lb patient, reviewing lessons learned, techniques, equipment, and difficulties.

The skinny on weight-loss surgery: what occupational health nurses need to know

Occupational health nurses are in a position to follow individuals undergoing bariatric surgery before and after the procedure. By fully understanding the health problems caused by obesity, occupational health nurses can effectively communicate the importance of diet and exercise.

Nursing care of the person having bariatric surgery

The increasing incidence of morbid obesity suggests that the quantity of bariatric surgical procedures will continue to multiply each year. Bariatric surgery has become an accepted approach to weight management with the additional benefit of resolution of several co-morbidities. However, quality nursing care and effective patient teaching are essential to achieve positive patient outcomes. Nursing care along the continuum of the bariatric surgical experience is key to positive outcomes for these patients. Throughout the process from selection for surgery to follow-up visits in the physician's office, the nurse can have a significant impact on the response of the patient and family to the surgical procedure. During the selection process, the nurse can explain the required diagnostic tests and their rationale and conduct a thorough medical history, informing the physician of pertinent information that might affect the patient's outcomes. Patient and family teaching begins at this stage with information about the peri-operative experience. Bariatric surgery results in a major lifestyle change for the patient. This change will evolve over time as weight is lost, and the patient adjusts to changes in eating patterns, body image, and the perceptions of others. The nurse should see that the patient has appropriate referral information for support services and should follow up to see that the patient and family availed themselves of these services. The patient's stay in acute care is usually very short. Clearly the patient and family need to go home with specific information about drinking/eating, caring for drainage tubes, skin and wound care, ambulation, self-care, and signs and symptoms that require medical attention. Nursing care should include written information and demonstrations of such activities as care of the wounds and drains. The nurse should assure that the patient leaves the hospital with a call number if questions arise at home. Ideally the nurse, patient, and family should have an opportunity for private education sessions prior to discharge. During the postoperative period, the nurse in the physician's office can serve as a source of information and a monitor of patient progress. Follow-up calls to patients and families after surgery are very helpful in determining the welfare of the patient, offering suggestions for managing the patient's care, and learning if any complications are developing. At the same time, the nurse can assess the psychological condition of the patient and his or her adjustment to a new way of living.

Meeting Bariatric Patient Care Needs

Regardless of whether your facility has an existing surgical bariatric program, ongoing attention to staff education and the organization's physical environment is key in identifying potential areas of risk and need for improvements in meeting the needs of this special patient population. Development of an organization-wide protocol specifically designed to meet the needs of all bariatric patients will facilitate the provision of safe and dignified care for both patient and caregiver. Protocol parameters to include are assessment for body mass index, abdominal-hip girth, mobility level, and skin complications. Assessment findings trigger care planning for optimal patient outcomes.