Current guidelines for weight loss surgery in adolescents: A review of the literature

Introduction: The purpose of this review was to synthesize current clinical practice guidelines for weight loss surgery in adolescents in the United States and Canada to guide pediatric nurse practitioners in decisions regarding appropriate patient referral and counseling. Method: A comprehensive search of the literature from 2007 until April 2013 was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases, including a hand search of references lists of identified articles. Guidelines pertaining exclusively to the use of weight loss surgery and general obesity treatment guidelines that included recommendations about weight loss surgery in adolescents were included in the review. Results: Variation exists among the guidelines regarding criteria for appropriate age, body mass index, comorbidity, exclusion, and preoperative management. Validation for laparoscopic weight loss surgery techniques in adolescents is provided. Discussion: Weight loss surgery for morbidly obese adolescents is a medically and psychologically complex decision, and primary care providers need to be equipped to address this decision with their patients and families.