Obesity Surgery Unit

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

The Obesity Surgery Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital specialises in the surgical treatment of obesity and associated metabolic conditions. Its work is carried out within a clinical framework focused on rigorous assessment of suitability for surgery, surgical safety and sustained improvement in patients’ health.

Care for patients with obesity and metabolic risk

The unit treats people with morbid obesity, obesity accompanied by significant medical complications, and metabolic disorders who have not responded adequately to conventional medical treatment.

The aim is to reduce the cardiovascular and metabolic impact of excess weight, improve the management of associated conditions and promote clinically significant and sustained weight loss over time.

Surgical intervention is considered when conservative measures prove insufficient and following an individualised assessment.

In what situations might surgery be considered?

Surgery is considered for patients with obesity and associated conditions who have previously been assessed and treated medically, and whose clinical course warrants considering a surgical strategy as part of a comprehensive approach.

The unit routinely performs surgery in cases of:

• Morbid obesity.

• Obesity with significant medical comorbidities.

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus that is difficult to control.

• Metabolic syndrome.

• High blood pressure associated with excess weight.

• Abnormal lipid profile linked to obesity.

The decision to proceed with surgery is made in consultation with specialists in endocrinology and other relevant disciplines, integrating surgery into a joint treatment plan aimed at improving metabolic health and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Comprehensive, individualised assessment

The process begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment, including a detailed medical history, an analysis of comorbidities and an assessment of surgical risk. Laboratory tests, abdominal imaging studies and an endocrinological assessment are carried out, along with other investigations where indicated.

The treatment decision is made following a multidisciplinary assessment, weighing up the expected benefit against the acceptable risk. The decision is based on objective medical criteria and rigorous planning.

Advanced surgical techniques

The unit performs bariatric surgery using advanced laparoscopic techniques, which allow for greater surgical precision and a more controlled recovery. Among the most common procedures are tubular gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) and gastric bypass, which are recommended depending on the degree of obesity, the patient’s metabolic profile and any associated conditions.

In selected cases, metabolic surgery is considered for patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes where clinical criteria justify it.

Surgical treatment forms part of a programme of pre-operative preparation and long-term follow-up aimed at consolidating results and preventing complications.

Surgical expertise and multidisciplinary follow-up

The team comprises surgeons specialising specifically in bariatric and metabolic surgery, working in coordination with specialists in endocrinology and nutrition, gastroenterology and other relevant fields.

The unit operates under a care model based on precise diagnosis and continuous follow-up. Obesity, as a complex chronic condition, requires a personalised approach in which every clinical decision is made following a rigorous assessment and individualised planning.