The risk of pulmonary aspiration in patients after weight loss due to bariatric surgery.
BACKGROUND
We conducted a study including patients with gastric banding or gastroplasty who previously underwent plastic or functional surgery to assess the risk of pulmonary aspiration.


METHODS
A retrospective case-control study was performed including all patients undergoing a plastic or functional surgery over a 5-yr period (2000-2005) at Rouen University Hospital. Two groups were defined: the postbariatric group included patients who previously had bariatric surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or Mason's vertical gastroplasty) before undergoing the plastic surgery; all other patients were assigned to the control group. Data included all anesthetic management and were recorded in the hospital computer database. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration was the outcome variable.


RESULTS
One hundred ninety-eight plastic and functional operations (66 cases and 132 controls) were performed. Pulmonary aspiration was significantly (P<0.006) higher in the postbariatric group (4 patients: 6%) than in the nonbariatric group (0 patient). For this complication, all patients had previously undergone gastric banding. One patient who did not receive prokinetic prophylaxis required intensive care for severe pulmonary alteration.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of perioperative pulmonary aspiration in a patient after weight loss due to gastric banding was considered significant.
Jean
Jerome
J
Rouen University Hospital, Department of Anesthetics and Intensive care, University of Rouen, 1 rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen, France.
Compère
Vincent
V
Fourdrinier
Veronique
V
Marguerite
Caroline
C
Auquit-Auckbur
Isabelle
I
Milliez
Pierre Yves
PY
Dureuil
Bertrand
B
D000328:Adult; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D053120:Respiratory Aspiration / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D015431:Weight Loss