Our Summary

This research paper studied how effective weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is for people who have gained weight due to a type of brain tumor (craniopharyngioma) and its treatment. The study involved five patients who had this type of brain tumor and had gained a lot of weight afterwards. These patients underwent either a sleeve gastrectomy (where part of the stomach is removed) or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (where the stomach is made smaller and the small intestine is rerouted). They were compared to other patients who had the same surgeries for weight loss but didn’t have the brain tumor.

The results showed that two years after surgery, the patients with the brain tumor had lost an average of 14.7% of their total weight and 38% of their excess weight. These results were significant, but the weight loss was less than that of the control group. Also, all patients with the brain tumor needed minor adjustments in their hormone replacement therapy after the surgery. The study concludes that weight loss surgery can help patients with craniopharyngioma-related weight gain, but the weight loss might be less than for patients without the brain tumor.

FAQs

  1. What is the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in treating hypothalamic obesity after craniopharyngioma treatment?
  2. What types of bariatric surgery were used in the study and how were they compared to control patients?
  3. Were there any postoperative alterations in hormone substitution observed in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may recommend bariatric surgery as an effective treatment option for patients with hypothalamic obesity after craniopharyngioma therapy. This type of surgery, such as sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, can lead to significant weight loss and improve overall health outcomes. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of bariatric surgery with their healthcare provider before making a decision. Additionally, patients should continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen post-surgery to maintain long-term weight loss success.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery include those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, patients who have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success may also be recommended for obesity surgery. In the case of hypothalamic obesity after craniopharyngioma treatment, bariatric surgery has shown to be effective in inducing significant weight loss.

Timeline

  • Before surgery: Patients with hypothalamic obesity after craniopharyngioma treatment experience significant weight gain and pituitary hormone deficiencies. Other treatments may have been attempted with limited success in reducing weight.

  • Surgery: Patients undergo either sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to help with weight loss and metabolic improvements. The surgery is performed to help manage their obesity and improve their overall health.

  • After surgery: At 2 years of follow-up, patients experience significant weight loss, with total and excess weight loss of 14.7% and 38.0% respectively. There may be minor postoperative alterations in hormone substitution, but overall, the surgery is effective in inducing weight loss in patients with craniopharyngioma-related hypothalamic obesity. The weight loss may not be as significant as in patients with common obesity, but it still provides significant benefits for the patients’ health and well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery for hypothalamic obesity after craniopharyngioma treatment?
  2. How long is the recovery period after bariatric surgery, and what post-operative care will be required?
  3. Will bariatric surgery affect my ability to absorb nutrients or medications?
  4. How will hormone replacement therapy be adjusted following bariatric surgery?
  5. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I will need to make after bariatric surgery?
  6. What are the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on weight loss and overall health in patients with hypothalamic obesity?
  7. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after bariatric surgery, and what will they entail?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered before opting for bariatric surgery?
  9. How does bariatric surgery compare to other weight loss methods in terms of effectiveness for patients with hypothalamic obesity after craniopharyngioma treatment?
  10. What is the success rate of bariatric surgery for patients in similar situations, and what factors can influence the outcomes of the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Garrez I, Lapauw B, Van Nieuwenhove Y. Journal: Obes Surg. 2020 Jun;30(6):2439-2444. doi: 10.1007/s11695-020-04391-w. PMID: 31955372