Postoperative care pathway

Abstract

Bariatric patients, both because of their size and comorbid conditions, present many unique issues in their postoperative care. The utilization of postoperative care pathways can help to address these issues, provide a more uniformly high level of care, and minimize the risk of in-hospital postoperative complications. Furthermore, care pathways can reduce the variability in care that occurs due to changes in resident and nursing staff. Suggested postoperative orders for laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band patients are provided at the end of this chapter. © 2008 Springer New York.