Preoperative work-up may include CBC, SMA 22, Thyroid profile, Hepatitis panel, EKG, CXR, GB ultrasound, UGI series, Body Composition, treadmill evaluation, esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy and other tests as may be deemed necessary by the patient's condition. A specialized team is used for management of patients, consisting of an anesthesiologist, scrub nurse, circulating nurse, patient counselor, cardiologist, pulmonary specialist and surgeons. Psychiatric disorders have not been found to be a contraindication for the procedure. Patients with a history of psychiatric problems are cleared for surgery by a consulting psychiatrist. Selection of patients for this operation is based on the simple surgical policy of assessing the risk benefit ratio.
All patients have stomach X-rays within two weeks after the operation.
Stomach X-rays are planned for the first year and as necessary thereafter. Radiographic evaluation of the distal bypassed stomach is recommended every five years after age 50. Results from various centers should be comparable. The Fobi Pouch Operation meets all the above criteria and more.