Variations in bariatric surgical practice patterns between general and bariatric surgeons: a matched analysis of the 2017 MBSAQIP database.

Background: While general surgeons (GSs) perform metabolic and bariatric surgery (MABS), these procedures are increasingly performed by metabolic and bariatric surgeons (MBSs). Because MABS is an evolving practice with changing surgical platforms and approaches, it is important to evaluate outcomes between different specialists performing these procedures.

Objectives: To compare perioperative practice pattern variations and outcomes of MABS performed by GSs versus MBSs.

Setting: University Hospital, United States.

Methods: Using the 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database, we identified Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) cases and stratified them by specialization (GSs versus MBSs). Patient characteristics, practice patterns and outcomes, complications, and 30-day outcomes were compared between cohorts. Matched procedure-specific analyses were performed.

Results: Of 172,430 MABS procedures, 4394 (2.5%) were performed by GSs and 168,036 (97.4%) by MBSs. At baseline, patients of GSs had fewer co-morbidities. GSs more commonly used the robotic platform for SG cases and performed interventions such as staple line reinforcement and staple line check with provocative testing. MBSs more commonly performed robotic (versus laparoscopic) RYGB. Overall complications were low in both study cohorts. After propensity matching, transfusion and venous thromboembolism were higher in SG performed by GSs, while surgical site infection was higher in SG and RYGB performed by MBSs. These findings were not reproduced after case-control matching. In matched analyses, there were no mortality or morbidity differences between study cohorts.

Conclusion: MABS is performed safely by both GSs and MBSs, with no difference in morbidity and mortality.