6R9LP75LMP Increasing Access to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Programs for Adolescents

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

6-1-2025

Abstract

Lisa Baro Tower Health; Vesta Salehi Tower Health/Drexel University; Renee Riddle Tower Health; John Fam; Aaron Hechtman Tower Health; Stephan Myers Tower Health / Drexel University Introduction: [A robust adolescent metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) program was developed at The Reading Hospital. Adolescents are referred following the development of two of the largest multidisciplinary pediatric and adolescent weight management programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: (1) The Reading Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center in Wyomissing, Pa and (2) St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children Healthy Kids, Healthy Teens Program in Philadelphia. This arrangement brings a diverse adolescent population to our surgical practice.] Method: [We reviewed the MBSAQIP Registry Data on 126 MBS operations performed at Reading Hospital between August 20, 2020 and December 31, 2024 on adolescents age 15 to 19. All procedures were performed laparoscopically and included 124 gastric sleeves, 1 gastric bypass, and 1 conversion from a gastric sleeve to a single anastomosis duodenal switch. Data collected included demographics including race, weight loss, change in BMI, co-morbid conditions, surgical complications.] Results: [Review of our data has shown dramatic results with an average weight loss of 100 pounds and a decrease in BMI of 16 at one year following surgery. This was a diverse population including 58% Hispanic, 19% Black, and 15% White. Resolution: diabetes 93.3%, hypertension 91% and obstructive sleep apnea 95%. There was no mortality, leaks, transfusions or return to the operating room. Three patients required hydration, 3 were seen in the ED for abdominal pain or minor incisional bleeding and discharged and 2 were admitted for vitamin B1 deficiency. ] Conclusion: [Building new multidisciplinary pediatric and adolescent weight management programs is an effective strategy to increase access to MBS in adolescents. MBS is safe and effective in a diverse population.

Publication Title

Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases

Volume

21

Issue

6 Supplement

First Page

S116

Last Page

S116

Comments

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Annual Meeting held 2025-04-12 to 2025-04-15 in Chicago, IL, USA.

Link to Full Text

Open Access

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