ABSTRACT
In the past several decades, the prevalence of obesity and complications of obesity in pediatric patients has increased rapidly. While non-surgical treatments remain an integral part of the treatment of severe obesity in both pediatric and adult patients, metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) has been shown to be a safe, effective, and durable treatment. Multiple medical societies now advocate for increased access and utilization of MBS in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients meeting the medical criteria for MBS should be evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team, regardless of age or other complexities. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the most common MBS procedures performed in both pediatric and adult patients. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols lead to short postoperative hospital stays, and postoperative follow-up with the MBS team is recommended to monitor progress. Most adolescent MBS studies demonstrate an average percent body mass index loss between 25–29% after surgery. MBS also results in the resolution or improvement of complications of pediatric obesity at rates that are similar to or superior to adult MBS patients. MBS is generally well tolerated among pediatric patients. Complication rates are low and similar to those of adult patients.
