Impact of Preoperative Mental Health on Healthcare Use After Bariatric Surgery

Overview

This retrospective study analyzed the association between preoperative mental disorders and non-routine healthcare utilization during the first postoperative year following metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Patients with preoperative mental disorders demonstrated increased total and gastrointestinal (GI)-related healthcare use compared to those without such disorders.

Background

Mental disorders are prevalent among individuals undergoing MBS, with depressive and binge eating disorders being most common. Postoperative GI complaints and pain are frequent and may be influenced by preoperative mental health status. Understanding how mental disorders affect postoperative healthcare utilization can inform patient management and improve outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Preoperative mental disorders were present in 23% of patients undergoing MBS.
• Patients with mental disorders had significantly higher non-routine healthcare use in the first postoperative year.
• GI-related healthcare utilization was notably increased among patients with preoperative mental disorders.
• Depression and anxiety symptoms are linked to postoperative pain and GI complaints, potentially driving increased healthcare use.
• Confounders such as age, gender, surgery type, and comorbidities were accounted for in regression analyses.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider preoperative mental health status when planning postoperative care for MBS patients, as those with mental disorders may require more intensive monitoring and support. Early identification and management of mental health conditions could potentially reduce postoperative complications and healthcare utilization.

Conclusion

Preoperative mental disorders are associated with increased postoperative healthcare use, particularly for GI-related issues, following metabolic bariatric surgery. Integrating mental health assessment into preoperative evaluation may improve postoperative outcomes and resource allocation.

References

1. Mental Disorders Prevalence in MBS Patients [1,2,3]
2. Postoperative GI Complaints and Pain Studies [4,5,6,7,8,9]
3. Association of Mental Health with GI Symptoms [10,11,12,13]
4. DSM-5 Mental Disorder Classification [14]