Cost-effective bariatric surgery in Germany today.
BACKGROUND
The reason for this inquiry was to assess the actual state of Bariatric Surgery in Germany, especially relating to the much discussed economic aspect.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to those hospitals in Germany in which we knew that obesity surgery was performed, concerning the year 1997.


RESULTS
To our regret, the feedback was only 37%, although this must be considered an adequate response for Germany. Nevertheless, some interesting trends are easily seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Bariatric Surgery in Germany could pay for itself by saving the costs associated with conservative therapy and preventing co-morbidities in patients with morbid obesity.
Kuhlmann
H W
HW
Evangelisches und Johanniter Klinikum, Duisburg/Dinslaken/Oberhausen gGmbH, Germany. hans-werner.kuhlmann@ejk.de
Falcone
R A
RA
Wolf
A M
AM
D015904:Biliopancreatic Diversion / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D005858:Germany; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery