1. ¹Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
2. ²Department of Surgery, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
3. ³Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
4. ⁴Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
5. ⁵Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
6. ⁶Department of Surgery,Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
7. ⁷Department of Surgery, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, Massachusetts, USA
8. ⁸Department of Surgery, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA

Correspondence: John J. Kelly (kellyj@ummhc.org)

Received 22 June 2007; Accepted 6 September 2007; Published online 19 February 2009.

Abstract

To update evidence-based best practice guidelines for surgical care in weight loss surgery (WLS). Systematic search of English-language literature on WLS in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library between April 2004 and May 2007. Use of key words to narrow the search for a selective review of abstracts, retrieval of full articles, and grading of evidence according to systems used in established evidence-based models. Evidence-based best practice recommendations from the most recent literature on surgical methods and technologies, risks and benefits, outcomes, and surgeon qualifications and credentialing. We identified >135 articles; the 65 most relevant were reviewed in detail. Regular updates of evidence-based recommendations for best practices in WLS are required to address rapid changes in surgical techniques and patient demographics. Key factors in patient safety include surgical risk factors, type of procedure, surgeon training, and facility certification.