Keywords: bariatric surgery, teenagers and elderly, small intestine obstruction, pregnant women

"Exploring boundaries of indications, safety and complications in bariatric surgery"

The prevalence of severe obesity is increasing worldwide, in all age groups. Gastric bypass surgery is the most successful treatment for severe obesity in the long term. This thesis presents a study design on gastric bypasses in teenagers. In addition, this thesis has shown that gastric bypass surgery is safe to perform in the elderly. Gastric bypass surgery should be a treatment option for all patients who do not successfully lose weight through lifestyle intervention, regardless of age. For each individual, the benefits should be weighed against the disadvantages.

A known complication after gastric bypass surgery is obstruction of the small intestine. This can also occur during pregnancy, leading to risky surgery with sometimes premature delivery (including emergency cesarean section). In addition, infant death has also been described. It is therefore important that knowledge of these complications during pregnancy is widely shared among healthcare professionals as well as among patients. It is also recommended that timely consultation or referral to third-line centers is carried out to minimize the negative consequences.

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Language: Dutch