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Massachusetts panel makes recommendations for weight-loss surgery

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, August 25, 2004

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Last year, in the wake of several patient deaths, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health called for an expert panel to study weight-loss surgery programs and patient safety. Earlier this month, the panel recommended that hospitals and physicians adopt strict standards -- including tough privileging standards for surgeons -- to reduce patient deaths and complications.

Based on their review of medical studies, the panel said hospitals that do more than 100 surgeries a year and surgeons who do 50 to 100 cases a year, have lower complication rates.

According to the panel, the risk of medical errors and complications are most likely to be minimized under the following conditions:

- Rigorous training that puts a strong emphasis on patient safety and includes close monitoring and early supervision of surgeons in their learning curves
- Ongoing training and accumulation of experience that takes place in a supportive setting, with extended proctoring by experienced weight-loss surgeons
- High volume surgeons (with 50-100 cases per year) operating in properly equipped, high-volume weight loss centers (more than 100 cases per year) with integrated and multidisciplinary treatment

The 70-page report includes guidelines for many aspects of bariatric surgery. Go to http://www.mass.gov/dph/, to read the full report.

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