The obesity paradox in the surgical population

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

'...lower mortality among overweight and moderately obese patients' (JAMA 2013; 309: 71–82) but does this apply also for those receiving surgery?

Main

Valentijn TM, Galal W et al. Surgeon 2013; 11: 169–176

Links between obesity and dentistry are increasingly being highlighted (see Editorial Br Dent J 2013; 214: 141). Although the research question underpinning this narrative review may appear perverse, the conclusion from this paper is that there is a 'paradoxical relationship between BMI (not extremes of BMI) and postoperative mortality...' in those who have received surgery. Possible explanations are that the BMI categories should be revised or that an underlying condition is the reason for the postoperative mortality and not the weight. For example, cancer, kidney disease and COPD, all cause weight loss. This increased mortality during surgery for those grossly underweight would improve outcomes for those overweight.