title: Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in Finland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The reporting on outcome following barlatric procedures should include changes in comorbid conditions and quality of life (QOL), in addition to weight loss. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) appears to provide the means to fulfill these requests. We have re-evaluated our previously published, initial results of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, using BAROS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our first 60 consecutive patients were treated laparoscopically between the years 1996 and 1999, using the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB). After a minimum follow-up of > or = 17 months (median follow-up 28 months, range 17-61 months), a postal questionnaire concerning QOL, medical condition and excess weight loss (BAROS) was sent to the patients. In addition, the patients' opinion regarding the operation was evaluated as well as the extent that the band had caused the patients any of the more common side-effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  87% of the patients returned the questionnaire properly answered. According to BAROS, the outcome was regarded as VERY GOOD in 12% of patients, GOOD in 38%, FAIR in 29% and FAILURE in 21%. Not one had an EXCELLENT outcome. 23% of the patients were disappointed with their operation. The incidence of band-related side-effects was high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results are comparable with other published series including the learning curve. In our opinion, BAROS should be widely adopted.
authors.affiliation: Vasa Central Hospital, Department of Surgery, Hietalahdenkatu 2-4, 65130 Vasa, Finland. mikael.victorzon@vshp.fi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Victorzon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tolonen
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005387:Finland; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology; D015431:Weight Loss