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Complications After Bariatric Surgery: Survey Evaluating Impact on the Practice of Specialized Nutrition Support
Author(s) -
Kumpf Vanessa J.,
Slocum Kelsey,
Binkley Jeff,
Jensen Gordon
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/0115426507022006673
Subject(s) - medicine , guideline , parenteral nutrition , weight loss , psychological intervention , clinical nutrition , surgery , general surgery , enteral administration , obesity , intensive care medicine , nursing , pathology
Background: The rapid growth of obesity rates has affected the practice of specialized nutrition support in various ways. One area that deserves special consideration is the impact that bariatric surgery, in particular complications resulting from bariatric surgery, has made on nutrition support practice. A descriptive survey was designed to evaluate this impact and to assess the various approaches to nutrition assessment and interventions in the postoperative bariatric surgery patient. Methods: A web‐based survey consisting of 17 questions was administered in April 2006 to American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) members with available e‐mail addresses. Participants were queried about professional background, primary practice setting, and various issues related to their involvement in the care of bariatric surgery patients. Results: There were 467 responses returned out of 3400 surveys delivered (14% response rate). Sixty percent of responders estimated they were consulted to see 1–10 patients requiring specialized nutrition support over the previous year as a result of complications of bariatric surgery. The most common indications for specialized nutrition support in these patients were anastomotic leak/fistula (49%) and chronic nausea/vomiting (27%). When estimating calorie goals, 62% used an adjusted body weight, 15% used ideal body weight, and 14% used actual weight. When estimating protein goals, 56% used an adjusted body weight, 29% used ideal body weight, and 8% used actual weight. Conclusion: These observations provide impetus for guideline development and highlight the priority for further research regarding the best practices to ensure that postoperative bariatric surgery patients receive safe and appropriate nutrition support.