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17 March 2024 – New Orleans, Louisiana
A groundbreaking study led by a collaborative team of bariatric and transplant surgeons has opened new avenues of hope for individuals battling end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and obesity. Published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, the study explores the impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery on ESRD patients and its potential to enhance their eligibility for life-saving kidney transplantation.
Dr. Anil Paramesh, corresponding study author and professor of surgery, urology, and pediatrics at Tulane University School of Medicine, underscored the urgent need to address the escalating obesity crisis in the United States, particularly among underserved populations disproportionately affected by obesity-related diseases. Dr. Paramesh spearheaded the CORT initiative – a collaborative for obesity research in transplantation – recognizing the critical need to address obesity-related barriers to transplant eligibility.
Patients with ESRD face numerous challenges in the absence of a transplant, resorting to prolonged and burdensome dialysis treatments that significantly diminish their quality of life and impose substantial financial burdens.
The study, conducted between January 2019 and June 2023, followed 183 ESRD patients referred for bariatric surgery, with 36 undergoing weight loss surgery and 10 subsequently receiving kidney transplants. Results revealed a notable 27% reduction in average body mass index (BMI) at the time of transplant, coupled with improvements in hypertension and diabetes management. These enhancements in comorbid condition management not only bolstered patients’ overall health but also increased transplant viability.
Dr. Paramesh emphasized that obesity remains a leading cause of transplant exclusion and highlighted the transformative potential of bariatric surgery in expanding eligibility criteria for transplantation, particularly among historically marginalized communities.
While bariatric surgery offers multifaceted benefits beyond weight loss, including improvements in diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, the study faced challenges such as patient drop-off rates and postoperative complications.
In light of these findings, Dr. Paramesh stressed the importance of comprehensive patient education and support to ensure potential candidates understand the potential benefits of weight loss surgery in improving their eligibility for transplantation.
The study’s findings represent a significant step forward in addressing the intersecting challenges of obesity and organ transplantation, offering renewed hope for ESRD patients and underscoring the imperative of innovative approaches to healthcare disparities.
This report highlights the transformative impact of bariatric surgery on enhancing kidney transplant eligibility for ESRD patients, marking a significant milestone in the field of transplantation and addressing healthcare disparities.
