obesity surgery

Strategies to preserve perioperative lung function in morbidly obese patients (Prof. Dr. Hermann Wrigge)

To these strategies belong e. g. the postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) following individualized protective mechanical ventilation. Breathing and pulmonary Complications after bariatric surgery contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of obese patients. Studies with normal weight patients have shown that a special lung-protective mechanical ventilation during and after the surgery can reduce these complications.

Improving glucose metabolism beyond the effects of bariatric surgery by standardized postoperative exercise programs (GluMBSE) (Prof. Dr. Arne Dietrich)

For some patients with morbid obesity surgical interventions, like for example the gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or RYGB), are the only chance to sustainably loose enough weight. The RYGB is the so-called gold standard. In about 70 percent of the patients the gastric bypass operation leads to an improvement of the sugar (glucose) metabolism after the surgery - independently from the weight reduction. It is yet unknown in what way exercise after the intervention supports the positive change in glucose metabolism. Therefore, this study examines the effects of a supervised sports program and whether there are different results in a strength- or in an endurance-training program compared to a control group with normal activity.

Metabolic surgery for type-2-diabetes within BMI range of 27 to 60 kg/sqm (MetaSurg) (Prof. Dr. Arne Dietrich)

Obese patients often suffer from type 2 diabetes. They benefit especially from bariatric surgery, because after the intervention the diabetes usually improves considerably or even recedes completely (remission). The most common obesity (bariatric) surgery is the gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, RYGB). In the MetaSurg study the surgical results of the RYGB operations with different lengths of the digesting intestinal loops are being compared. Additionally there is a conservative control group.

Reset gut-dopamine axis as a cause of restored brain reward processing and sustained weight reduction following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery (Dr. Wiebke Fenske)

In this research project eating behaviors and neuronal transmitters are being examined before and after bariatric surgery (gastric bypass RYGP). Obesity or bariatric surgery reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and digested due to a size reduction of the stomach and small intestine. These operations also seem to influence the perception of reward due to eating. The perception of reward is associated with the neuro transmitter dopamine. In obese patients often a hedonistic eating behavior can be observed - food is perceived more rewarding than in normal weight individuals.

The use of fibrin sealant in the management of wound drainage following post-bariatric body-contouring surgery. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study. (PD Dr. Philip Zeplin, completed)

Patients, who lost much weight, especially after bariatric surgery, often need a body shaping plastic operation to remove redundant skin tissue. Problematic in these patients is the propensity to develop seroma, which is the accumulation of ichor and lymph in a cavity in the area of operation. Seroma can affect wound healing. This study examines if fibrin glue, that better connects the tissue layers after surgery, helps to avoid seroma. The results will be compared with procedures whereby a special multilayered suture technique has been used. The insights of this study may help to reduce complications after body shaping interventions.

Perioperative complications in morbidly adipose patients: Prevention and treatment of wound infections and postoperative pain (Prof. Dr. Hermann Wrigge)

Researchers test whether bariatric patients reach adequate blood levels of antibiotics and analgesics with the usual dosages. The concentration is measured in the blood, fat tissue and interstitial fluid. Thus, an optimized dosage can be found, which reduces pain and wound infections postoperatively.

Improving glucose metabolism beyond the effects of bariatric surgery by standardized postoperative exercise programs (Prof. Dr. med. Arne Dietrich)

In this clinical study researchers will compare the effects of supervised resistance vs. endurance training on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and on the basic metabolic rate in patients after bariatric surgery (Roux-Y-Gastric Bypass). It will be scrutinized, how much different trainings additionally support the positive effect of bariatric surgery on glucose metabolism. Study results can contribute to an improved postoperative therapy after bariatric surgery.