Postoperative complications in bariatric surgery: an analysis of risk factors

Abstract

Introduction: The significant increase in obesity has led to the popularization of aesthetic surgical procedures, restrictive diets, and rigorous physical activity practices, intensifying concerns about public health and associated costs. In this context, bariatric surgery stands out as the most effective approach for treating obesity in both the short and long term, promoting adequate weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and sustainable effects. Objective: To evaluate scientific evidence on the main postoperative complications and risk factors associated with the procedure for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Method: This is an integrative literature review, based on literature reviews, case studies, and relevant clinical guidelines. The problem that guided the project was, “What are the main risk factors associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing bariatric surgery?". Results: A total of 19 articles were included, revealing that the main risk factors associated with bariatric surgery were advanced age, high preoperative BMI, and the presence of comorbidities, primarily type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Not referring to prevalent complications, the literature indicates that postoperative bleeding, anastomotic fistulas, abdominal pain, infections, and hypoglycemia are recurrent postoperative issues, suggesting that, despite technical and scientific advances, the procedure still involves considerable risks and clinical impact. Conclusion: The results found in this review contribute to categorizing and clarifying the aggravating factors, elucidating the temporal relationship and prevalence of postoperative complications in bariatric surgeries, and supporting clinical practice with pertinent information for candidate selection, choice of technique, possibility of complications, and continued monitoring.