LAUSR

Background Many operations for complications after bariatric surgery are performed by surgeons without bariatric expertise at centers without teams who routinely care for bariatric patients. This study sought to evaluate whether bariatric expertise affects patterns of care and perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing operative intervention for complications after bariatric surgery. Methods Administrative claims data from the Kentucky Office of Health Policy were queried for inpatients undergoing operative intervention for complications related to bariatric surgery between 2015 and 2018. Patients were stratified with respect to whether or not they underwent surgery at a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited bariatric surgery center (BCE) or not (non-BCE). Groups were compared with respect to demographic, procedural, and outcome variables. Results BCE patients were more often Caucasian than non-BCE patients ( p  < 0.001) and have either private insurance or Medicare coverage ( p  = 0.02). Regarding operative approach, operations were more likely to be performed laparoscopically in BCE (88.5% BCE vs. 80.9% non-BCE, p  = 0.007). Length of stay was significantly shorter for BCE patients (median 2 days BCE vs. 3 days non-BCE, p  < 0.001), and BCE patients were more likely to be discharged home (85.4% BCE vs. 78.5% non-BCE, p  = 0.02). Inpatient mortality and average total charges per patient did not differ significantly between the two groups Conclusions Surgical management of complications after bariatric surgery at BCE is associated with greater utilization of minimally invasive techniques, shorter hospital stay, and increased likelihood of routine home discharge. These findings should prompt a review and standardization of care patterns for patients with complications after bariatric surgery aimed at optimizing outcomes and improving value.