Global Variations in Practices after Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery; the PARTNER Study.

Clyde, D.; Grant, C.; Canales, JAA.; Adib, R.; Baig, S.; Bhasker, AG.; Cameron, D.; Catalin, C.; Clare, K.; de Beaux, A.; Drummond, G.; Fawal, H.; Fried, M.; Graham, Y.; Goel, R.; Goodpaster, K.; Hazebroek, E.; Hopkins, G.; Husain, F.; Jatana, A.; Joyce, B.; Kermansaravi, M.; Kothari, S.; Kow, L.; Leite, S.; Madhok, B.; Mahon, D.; Miller, K.; Miras, A.; Moize, V.; Neto, MG.; Nimeri, A.; O'Kane, M.; Peterli, R.; Poggi, L.; Ratcliffe, D.; Sakran, N.; Salminen, P.; Sarkar, R.; Shenfine, J.; Singhal, R.; Sogg, S.; Stenberg, E.; Suter, M.; Taha, S.; Tahrani, A.; Vilallonga, R.; Voon, K.; Welbourn, R.; Zerrweck, C.; Moussa, O.; Byrne, J.; Lamb, P.; Parmar, C.; Ghanem, O.; Mahawar, KK.; Robertson, AGN.; Yang, W.

Global Variations in Practices after Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery; the PARTNER Study.

All Authors

Clyde, D.

Grant, C.

Canales, JAA.

Adib, R.

Baig, S.

Bhasker, AG.

Cameron, D.

Catalin, C.

Clare, K.

de Beaux, A.

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LTHT Author

O'Kane, Mary

LTHT Department

Adult Therapies
Nutrition & Dietetics

Non Medic

Consultant Dietitian

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Journal Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: With over 1 billion individuals affected globally, obesity and obesity related diseases is now a leading cause of death. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has emerged as a cornerstone intervention for severe obesity and its associated comorbidities. Despite its efficacy, postoperative care and follow-up after MBS remains highly variable worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The PARTNER study aimed to evaluate global clinical practices in the postoperative management following MBS by surveying multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. METHODS: This study was an international online survey conducted between October 2024 and January 2025. A multidisciplinary team developed the questionnaire based on existing literature and international guidelines. The survey assessed five domains: follow-up care, postoperative treatment, dietary management, patient support, and measurement of surgical outcomes. Responses were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 262 responses were received from 62 countries. Most respondents were bariatric surgeons (72.1%) working in public healthcare systems (73.3%). While 78.7% reported conducting three-month postoperative reviews, only 23.7% offered indefinite follow-up. Hybrid models of care (virtual and in-person) were common (56.9%). VTE prophylaxis and postoperative PPI use were recommended by 64.1% and 84.3% respectively. Nearly all respondents (98.1%) provided dietary advice, with protein and micronutrient supplementation widely endorsed. Only 56.1% routinely referred patients for psychological follow-up. Definitions of surgical success and failure varied widely, with inconsistent objective outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The PARTNER study reveals significant international variation in postoperative management practices following MBS. These findings underscore the need for more standardized, evidence-based guidelines to improve long-term outcomes and equity of care worldwide.