The Role of Total Small Bowel Length and its Measurement in Metabolic Bariatric Surgery. A Systematic Review

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Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS) effectively treats morbid obesity and related comorbidities by altering gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology.
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Total small bowel length (TSBL) is crucial for MBS outcomes, impacting nutrient absorption and the risk of complications like malnutrition.
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Less than 30% of metabolic bariatric surgeons routinely measure TSBL, highlighting a gap in standard surgical practice.
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Intraoperative measurement of TSBL varies among surgeons, indicating the need for a consistent assessment protocol.
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This review aims to analyze the relationship between TSBL and surgical outcomes, potentially enhancing personalized MBS interventions.

Obesity Surgery

by Niccolo Petrucciani, Chiara Cuzzocrea, Margherita Floris, Marta Zerunian, Nunzio Velotti, Paolo Aurello, Marta Goglia, Maria Vittoria Mascolini, Mirto Foletto, Chiara Giulia Fontanella, Mario Musella, Gianfranco Silecchia
May 7, 2026

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