Results of preoperative internal medicine evaluation in patients undergoingbariatric surgery

AIM: Obesity is a disease caused by excess energy intake over expenditure, influenced by environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. It is the leading preventable cause of death after smoking, with rising incidence over the years. Due to its significant impact on mortality and morbidity, treatment comprising lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, medication, and surgery is crucial. This study aims to evaluate preoperative internal medicine assessments in bariatric surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 246 patients who were eligible for obesity surgery and who applied to the Obesity Outpatient Clinic of the Internal Medicine Clinic of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2024 and August 31, 2024 were included. Data were obtained by examining the hospital computer system records. Admission laboratory parameters, comorbidities, weight loss medications, imaging findings and endoscopy results were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: In our study, 64 (26,01%) patients were male and 182 (73,98%) were female. The mean BMI of the patients was 45,82 kg/m2. The mean waist circumference was 129 cm. Of the patients in our study, 70 (28,5%) had hypertension, 195 (79,2%) hepatosteatosis, and 64 (26,0%) diabetes mellitus. Patients with hepatic steatosis who were to undergo bariatric surgery were more likely to have gallstones than those without hepatosteatosis (p<0,01). The incidence of gallstones in obese patients was statistically significant with the obesity stage (p:0,013). CONCLUSION: We predict that the incidence of gallstones, hepatosteatosis, dyslipidemia and the stage of obesity are proportional to the examination performed in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.