Racial Disparities in Postoperative Minor Complications After Bariatric Surgery
A new study reveals that Black patients face higher rates of minor complications after bariatric surgery compared to White patients, highlighting ongoing racial disparities in postoperative health outcomes.
Recent research presented at the 2025 ASMBS Annual Scientific Meeting highlights significant racial disparities in minor postoperative complications following metabolic and bariatric surgery. The study, conducted by Yale School of Medicine researchers, found that Black patients experience higher rates of minor complications, such as dehydration, infections, and increased emergency department visits, compared to White patients. Over a seven-year period, these complications grew from 10.2% to 15% among Black patients, while remaining lower in White patients, increasing from 7.6% to 12.1%. Additionally, postoperative visits to the emergency department that did not require hospital admission rose from 6.1% to 9.1%, and intravenous treatments for hydration increased from 3.7% to 4.6%. However, severe complications, including mortality, remained rare and comparable between groups.
Researchers reviewed data from over 1.1 million patients who underwent procedures like laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 2016 and 2023. Despite the overall safety of bariatric surgery, the persistent disparities suggest a need for targeted measures. Experts, including ASMBS President Dr. Ann M. Rogers, emphasized that identifying patients at higher risk for minor complications and improving discharge education—particularly around postoperative hydration—could help mitigate these disparities.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing racial disparities in healthcare and refining postoperative care protocols to enhance patient outcomes across all racial groups. The study also ties into broader concerns about obesity prevalence, which affects over 40% of adults in the U.S., and its links to weakened immune systems, chronic inflammation, and chronic disease risk.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-black-patients-higher-minor-complications.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Causes, Symptoms, and Life-Saving Responses
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and life-saving responses for sudden cardiac arrest. Early recognition and CPR can significantly improve survival rates and protect your heart health.
New Survey Highlights Discrepancies in How Patients with Obesity and Doctors View the Causes and Goals of Obesity
A global survey uncovers significant gaps between how people with obesity and healthcare providers perceive the causes of obesity and their treatment goals, emphasizing the need for more compassionate, evidence-based care.
The Role of Practice Nurses in Enhancing Contraception and Abortion Access in Australia
New research emphasizes the potential of practice nurses to improve access to contraception and abortion services in Australia through better training, policy support, and expanded roles in primary care.
Environmental Health Disparities: Latino Neighborhoods in Los Angeles Face Greater Risks
A UCLA-developed dashboard reveals that Latino neighborhoods in Los Angeles face significantly higher risks from extreme heat and pollution, highlighting urgent environmental justice and public health concerns.