The incidence, long-term outcomes and impact on acute care services of bariatric surgery in Western Australia between 2007 and 2016

This thesis examines the impact of bariatric surgery on perioperative services and long-term health outcomes across Western Australia. Presented as nine published population based cohort studies, the results varied with each manuscript. Favourable outcomes associated with bariatric surgery included low rates of anaesthetic complications, postoperative intensive care admissions, unplanned interhospital transfers for intensive care and a reduction in all-cause postoperative rehospitalisations. Unfavourable postoperative outcomes included raised incidences of acute kidney injury, complications in older patients, repeat bariatric surgery, and long-term mental health presentations. Prospective patients need to be provided with a balanced risk benefit assessment before proceeding with bariatric surgery.