title: Best practice recommendations for surgical care in weight loss surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish evidence-based guidelines for best practices for surgical care in weight loss surgery (WLS).
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a systematic search of English-language literature on WLS in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Key words were used to narrow the field for a selective review of abstracts. Data extraction was performed, and evidence categories were assigned according to a grading system based on established evidence-based models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We assessed types of WLS, recommended guidelines for appropriateness, developed strategies for medical error reduction, established criteria for credentialing of systems and practitioners, and specified research needed for the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgeon training, credentialing, and type of surgery performed were identified as key factors in patient safety. Other important issues in the delivery of best practice care included appropriate patient selection; use of a multidisciplinary treatment team; facility staffing, equipment, and administrative support; and early recognition and proper management of complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, 67 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01545, USA. kellyj@ummhc.org
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tarnoff
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shikora
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thayer
authors.forename: Daniel B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: R Amour
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Forse
authors.forename: Matthew M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hutter
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fanelli
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lautz
authors.forename: Frederick
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Buckley
authors.forename: Imtiaz
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Munshi
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Coe
mesh_terms: D015904:Biliopancreatic Diversion; D003406:Credentialing; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends; D015431:Weight Loss