Obesity and SARS-CoV-2: Considerations on bariatric surgery and recommendations for the start of surgical activity

• Published in: Cirugia española (English ed.) 2021-01, Vol.99 (1), p.4
• Main Authors: Sánchez Santos, Raquel, Garcia Ruiz de Gordejuela, Amador, Breton Lesmes, Irene, Lecube Torelló, Albert, Moizé Arcone, Violeta, Arroyo Martin, Juan José, Fernandez Alsina, Enric, Martín Antona, Esteban, Rubio Herrera, Miguel Ángel, Sabench Pereferrer, Fátima, Sánchez Pernaute, Andrés, Vilallonga Puy, Ramón
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; spa
• ISSN: 2173-5077; 2173-5077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2020.06.005

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a great impact worldwide, being Spain one of the most affected countries. The delay in bariatric surgery can have fatal consequences since up to 50% of the patients who are on the waiting list develop a new comorbidity during the time they remain on it and 1.5% of patients die while waiting for the intervention. That is why bariatric surgery should not be delayed, if the occupation of the hospital by COVID-19+ patients decreases significantly, and sufficient resources and safety are available to restart surgery in patients with benign pathology. This document contains the main recommendations for the bariatric surgery programs in our country from the point of view of safety, bariatric patient preparation and follow up during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemia.The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a great impact worldwide, being Spain one of the most affected countries. The delay in bariatric surgery can have fatal consequences since up to 50% of the patients who are on the waiting list develop a new comorbidity during the time they remain on it and 1.5% of patients die while waiting for the intervention. That is why bariatric surgery should not be delayed, if the occupation of the hospital by COVID-19+ patients decreases significantly, and sufficient resources and safety are available to restart surgery in patients with benign pathology. This document contains the main recommendations for the bariatric surgery programs in our country from the point of view of safety, bariatric patient preparation and follow up during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemia.