The application of laparoscopic bariatric surgery for treatment of severe obesity in adolescents using a multidisciplinary adolescent bariatric program.

The evolution of laparoscopic surgery has made bariatric surgery acceptable for weight loss; however, much controversy exists about its appropriateness for adolescents. Despite the controversial issues, the growing epidemic in adolescent obesity has resulted in rising numbers of applications for bariatric surgery. There are few bariatric surgical programs designed for adolescents. Pediatric settings face high start-up costs and poor reimbursement and lack established bariatric surgeons. Even so, bariatric surgery is increasingly being performed on adolescents in alarming numbers. To avoid adverse physical and psychosocial outcomes, the application of the principles of growth and development is essential. The program should be established as a multidisciplinary approach to management of adolescents and should be in institutions capable of meeting the guidelines for surgical treatment outlined by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. To prevent postoperative complication, a multidisciplinary team of experienced medical and surgical specialists is needed for optimal preoperative decision making and postoperative management and long-term follow-up. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a safe procedure and an effective means to treat obesity-related morbidity in the adolescent. Results have been excellent and justify a clinical trial to confirm the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in the adolescent population.