An estimated one-third of U.S. adults are obese, defined as having a body mass index of more than 30, and that is twice the percentage of a decade ago. Meanwhile, annual plastic surgery volume grew by 725 percent from 1992-2005.
Researchers said surgery on obese patients is usually more risky than for other patients because operating fields are deeper, the spaces in which an infection can start are often greater and blood flow in fat tissue is lower, resulting in slower healing.
Read the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine release on the obesity study.
Related Articles on Surgery for the Obese:
Top 6 Risk Factors for Weight-Loss Surgery
Endosphere Gets U.S. Patent on Implantable Devices to Treat Obesity, Diabetes
5 Surgery Center Specialties Predicted to Grow in 2011
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
