The multi-disciplinary approach to adolescent bariatric surgery.
The multi-disciplinary team is essential for the success of an adolescent bariatric surgical program. This article will describe the components of the team and their roles. Essential members include a pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist with an interest and expertise in adolescent obesity, a pediatric surgeon with bariatric expertise, or an adult bariatric surgeon with adolescent experience, adolescent/child psychologist, pediatric nutritionist, exercise physiologist or physical therapist, nursing support, and a patient coordinator. Some programs have found a social worker to be helpful as well. The function of the team members is more important than the title. A physical therapist may develop an activity program or a social worker may function as the coordinator. The whole team, led by the pediatric bariatrician, makes decisions concerning the selection of candidates for bariatric surgery. During team rounds, each patient is discussed and treatment decisions are made.
Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia. Electronic address: mwulkan@emory.edu.
Mark L
ML
Wulkan
Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.
Stephanie M
SM
Walsh
D000293:Adolescent; D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000458:organization & administration
Activity; Adolescent; Bariatric surgery; Care team; Exercise; Multi-disciplinary; Nutrition