An evaluation of the knowledge of the surgical treatment of obesity among surgeons

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of obesity is currently the only effective treatment option for patients with excess body weight, especially morbid obesity and diseases caused by it. There are no studies evaluating the knowledge of surgeons in the field of bariatric surgery. AIM: To assess the knowledge of surgeons regarding bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was conducted among 143 surgeons in 2010–2011 during local educational conferences. The survey consisted of 10 questions dedicated to the fundamental problems of the surgical treatment of obesity. RESULTS: Theoretical and practical knowledge connected to the so-called “epidemiological awareness” in the surgical treatment of obesity was possessed by 25% of the respondents. Knowledge of surgical techniques is known to most surgeons. Reducing the “oncological risk” after bariatric surgery is known to only 27% of surgeons. Almost 80% of surgeons indicated a necessity of their further education regarding the surgical treatment of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of Polish general surgeons in the surgical treatment of obesity is not high, with a high number of surgeons who possess knowledge of the operating technique, whereas only a quarter have a basic knowledge of the indication for surgical treatment. Most surgeons who participated in our study are awaiting educational programmes focused on this issue.