Bariatric Times July/August 2007

26 Journal Watch Bariatric Times • July/August 2007 Journal Watch A quick look at the noteworthy articles in bariatric research by Laura Alexander May;71(5):369–75. Erratum in: Am Surg 2005 Sep;71(9):2 p following 801. Synopsis: Author discusses risk management guidelines and principles for the bariatric surgeon, including the importance of establishing and maintaining a solid physician-patient relationship by using appropriate interpersonal skills. PMID: 15986964 The medical malpractice risk associated with bariatric surgery. Casey BE, Civello KC Jr, Martin LF, O’Leary JP. Obes Surg 1999 Oct;9(5):420–5. Synopsis: To determine the risk represented by bariatric surgeons for malpractice claims, surveys were mailed to the 285 American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) members asking for information on malpractice claims. Based on the results of surveys returned by 165 members, it was found that the incidence of suit being brought against ASBS members performing bariatric procedures is low, most cases that are filed do not reach a jury trial, and settlements are usually under $100,000. PMID: 10605897 Synopsis: Authors examine issues concerning endoscopic treatments for obesity, including availability of specialized radionuclide imaging of gastric capacity and accommodation, and patients best suited for endotherapy. PMID: 15823444 MALPRACTICE ISSUES IN BARIATRIC MEDICINE Bariatric surgery claims: A medico-legal perspective. Kaufman AS, McNelis J, Slevin M, et al. Obes Surg 2006 Dec;16(12):1555–8. Synopsis: Authors examine legal and risk management issues, such as patient selection, informed consent, postoperative management, and the use of promotional materials, that can result in lawsuits. PMID: 17217628 Medicolegal analysis of 100 malpractice claims against bariatric surgeons. Cottam D, Lord J, Dallal RM, et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2007 JanFeb;3(1):60–6; discussion 66–7. Epub 2006 Dec 27. Synopsis: One hundred consecutive bariatric lawsuits were reviewed by a consortium of bariatric surgeons and an attorney specializing in medical malpractice to analyze litigation trends in bariatric surgery. Results are discussed, and authors conclude that leaks and delayed diagnosis were the most common causes of litigation. PMID: 17196438 Bariatric surgery: Malpractice risks and risk management guidelines. Eagan MC. Am Surg 2005 PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER COMORBIDITY AND ASSESSMENT OF BARIATRIC SURGERY CANDIDATES Psychiatric disorders among bariatric surgery candidates: Relationship to obesity and functional health status. Kalarchian MA, Marcus MD, Levine MD, et al. Am J Psychiatry 2007 Feb;164(2):328–34; quiz 374. Synopsis: To document psychiatric disorders among candidates for weight loss surgery and examine the relationship of psychopathology to degree of obesity and functional health status, authors collected demographic and clinical information from 288 individuals seeking surgery. Based on the results, authors conclude that current and past DSMIV psychiatric disorders are prevalent among bariatric surgery candidates and are associated with greater obesity and lower functional health status, highlighting the need to understand potential implications for surgery preparation and outcome. PMID: 17267797 Psychiatric disorder comorbidity and association with eating disorders in bariatric surgery patients: A cross-sectional study using structured interview-based diagnosis. Rosenberger PH, Henderson KE, Grilo CM. J Clin Psychiatry 2006 Jul;67(7):1080–5. Synopsis: To examine the prevalence of DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates and explore whether eating disorders are associated with psychiatric comorbidity, researchers administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I ENDOLUMINAL THERAPY New applications for endoscopy: The emerging field of endoluminal and transgastric bariatric surgery. Schauer P, Chand B, Brethauer S. Surg Endosc 2007 Mar;21(3):347–56. Epub 2006 Dec 16. Review. Synopsis: In this review article, authors discuss endoluminal and transgastric technology that are available, endoluminal procedures currently performed, and the future of these technologies with respect to bariatric surgery. PMID: 17180295 Endoscopic treatments for obesity: Past, present and future. Gostout CJ, Rajan E. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2005 Mar;34(1):143–50. Review. http://www.sizewise.net http://www.sizewise.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Bariatric Times July/August 2007

Cover Editorial Message Table of Contents Editorial Board Letter to the Editor Malpractice Preventative Maintenance: Record Protocols and Happy Lawyers Resolution of Fibromyalgia Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass University General Hospital Bariatric Program at University General Hospital Journal Watch Category List Trade Name Index Company Index Products and Services

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