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.