A population based study of bariatric surgery in Illinois.

Background: Utilization of metabolic and bariatric surgery has increased significantly over the last 2decades, yet barriers to access remain.

Objectives: This study aimed to 1) define rates of metabolic and bariatric surgery utilization for qualifying adults in Illinois and 2) describe patient characteristics associated with undergoing surgery at Illinois hospitals with low metabolic and bariatric surgery volume.

Setting: Metabolic and bariatric surgery at all nonfederal Illinois hospitals was included.

Influence of referral type and sociodemographic factors on completion of bariatric surgery.

Background: The impact of referral type and socioeconomic status on completion of the bariatric surgery process is not well understood.

Objectives: This study aims to 1) describe how sociodemographic characteristics influence referral type and 2) identify predictors of completion of surgery.

Setting: Large multihospital health care system, including a large academic medical center.

Baseline weight recovery and mortality risk in head and neck cancer.

Background: As a surrogate of malnutrition, degree of weight loss and recovery from head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment is understudied. The influence of modifiable factors that affect weight, including speech/language pathology (SLP) and nutrition counseling, is also poorly defined. We characterize weight loss trends, baseline weight recovery (BWR), and the impact of interdisciplinary care on oncologic outcomes.

Surgeon variability in repair of hiatal hernia at the time of bariatric surgery.

Background: Hiatal hernia (HH) is estimated to affect between 20 and 50% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding the preoperative assessment and intraoperative repair of HH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in surgeon assessment and repair of HH during bariatric surgery across a multi-hospital healthcare system.