Complications associated with postoperative bariatric surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective alternative in the treatment of obesity and its associated comorbidities. However, there are several complications linked to the four surgical methods used to treat excess weight, with the most commonly used being, gastric bypass and sleeve. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide useful information on the complications associated with the postoperative phase of bariatric surgery, both for healthcare professionals and patients, promoting a more informed and balanced approach to treatment. For this purpose, 17 articles were selected for the final analysis and review, sourced from platforms such as Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (VHS), and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), in both Portuguese and English, during the month of September of 2024. The results obtained allowed for a detailed discussion of the complications associated with the surgery and its postoperative phase, with nutritional deficiencies and recurrence, as well as abdominal hernias and their complications, being the most prevalent. Therefore, it is clear that a rigorous follow-up and appropriate interventions are crucial to improving quality of life, minimizing such complications, and maximizing the benefits of bariatric surgery.