Weight loss surgery has been shown to
have an association with an increased risk of alcohol misuse.
According to a new report, patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric band
procedures were seen to have a 50 per cent higher chance of developing an
alcohol use disorder (AUD) two years after their operations when compared to
their pre-surgical risk.
Investigators at LABS at the National Institutes of Health's National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that 10.7 per cent of
patients reported symptoms of AUD two years after surgery, while seven per cent
showed signs of alcohol misuse prior to their procedures.
"The study results suggest that clinicians should be aware of the
importance of monitoring for signs and symptoms of AUD and consider counselling
after bariatric surgery" said Dr Mary Horlick, project scientist on the
work.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends that
weight loss surgery should only be offered on the NHS if patients commit to a
long-term follow-up treatment programme.
© Adfero Ltd
Obesity surgery news : 22 June 2012
