Weight Loss Surgery in Adolescents With Extreme Obesity

Summary

The use of bariatric surgery in adolescents is controversial. On one side, bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment to achieve sustained weight loss in adults with extreme obesity. Comorbidities are reversed and mortality is reduced. In adolescents, bariatric surgery is equally effective; however, due to the paucity of long-term data, the long-term effects and risks are unknown. Thus, due to surgical risk and ethical implications, bariatric surgery is considered experimental in Germany. Nevertheless, case volumes are increasing.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits and risks of adolescent bariatric surgery in the context of a structured preparation and follow-up program. The study is a subproject of the study "Medical and psychosocial implications of adolescent extreme obesity - acceptance and effects of structured care" (DRKS00004172). At 5 German university centers (Ulm, Datteln, Berlin, Essen, Leipzig), youth who undergo bariatric surgery and are participants in the overall project will be enrolled in a structured preparation and follow-up program. The program is designed to improve adherence and compliance and will result in comprehensive follow-up data. In addition to the data gathered in the overall project, subjects participating in subproject 3 will undergo assessments pertinent to bariatric surgery, as proposed in the American Teen-LABS study (http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/ research/divisions/t/teen-labs/default/). Comparison will be made with BMI matched adolescents who participate in the overall project but do not undergo bariatric surgery.

In November 2014 recruitment for the overall project was completed. However, patients interested in bariatric surgery will still be recruited until September 2016. There assessment will be the same as for patients recruited earlier. However, in an amendment in December 2014, the frequency of assessment via questionnaire was reduced from biannually to annually. In addition, a travel reimbursement of 30€ for each study visit was implemented.

Conditions

• Obesity
• Extreme Obesity

Interventions

PROCEDURE

bariatric surgery

The intervention takes place in the clinical care setting. The decision for surgery is made by a multidisciplinary team, according to the international guidelines and the recommendations of the German working group on obesity (AGA, www.a.g.a.de). The choice of procedure is made on an individual basis taking into consideration patient inherent factors as well as the recommendations of the operating center. Operations are conducted at certified bariatric centers according to the policies of the German working group on bariatric surgery (CAADIP), and in the context of a structured preparation and follow-up program. The program is offered by a multidisciplinary team (pediatrician, endocrinologist, surgeon, dietician, psychologist/psychiatrist, social worker) and comprises preparation for and education about the surgery and expected lifestyle changes, as well as a structured, multidisciplinary follow-up plan. Subjects sign a contract agreeing to adhere to the recommended follow-up schedule.

OTHER

conservative care

Subjects will be seen by a trained study physician every 6 months. Stuctured health assessments will be conducted, and individual treatment recommendations will be made based on the patients motivation and ability(e.g. inpatient obesity rehab, exercise, dietary or behavioral intervention etc.)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Witten/Herdecke

  collaborator OTHER

• Charite University, Berlin, Germany

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Leipzig

  collaborator OTHER

• Universität Duisburg-Essen

  collaborator OTHER

• Prof. Dr. Martin Wabitsch

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Martin Wabitsch, Prof. Dr. med. · University of Ulm

• Susanna Wiegand, Dr. med. · Charite University, Berlin, Germany

• Thomas Reinehr, Prof. Dr. med. · University of Witten/Herdecke

• Johannes Hebebrand, Prof. Dr. med. · Universität Duisburg-Essen

• Wieland Kiess, Prof. Dr. med. · University of Leipzig

• Reinhard Holl, Prof. Dr. med. · University of Ulm

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

24 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2013-11-30

Primary Completion

2018-04-30

Completion

2028-01-31

Countries

• Germany

Study Locations