Early Results of a Comparative Study of eHealth in Bariatric Surgery

Dirk PA Versteegden1 *, Magaly JJ Van Himbeeck1 , Gerbrand CM van Hout2 , Marieke PW Aarts1 , Linsey MAM van Heugten3 and Simon W Nienhuijs1

1Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands 2Department of Psychology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands 3Department of Dietary, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

^*Correspondance to: Dirk PA Versteegden 

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Abstract:

Background: As eHealth has a hypothetical benefit as additional support, there is a widespread implementation in bariatric trajectories. Knowledge about the key components or objective gain is limited. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the value in the bariatric pathway. Methods: Two-hundred-and-five patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery were randomized to either: Control-group (n=103); online-group (n=50) receiving access to an eHealth platform; or device-group (n=52) who, in addition, received monitoring devices. Here, the 1-year results on convalescence, commitment, eHealth usage and quality of life were assessed. Results: Median hospitalization was 1 day in all groups. Mean days to return-to-work was 28.1 vs. 27.5 vs. 29.8, respectively, p=0.673. Additional physical or telephonic consultations were comparable. Usage of electronical aids, beyond study material, was more frequent in intervention groups. Around 93% of patients used the eHealth platform and approximately half applied the devices regularly. Quality of life improved greatly however did not differ between the groups. Commitment was comparable by questionnaire scores. Conclusion: The addition of eHealth to a bariatric pathway did not lead to improved outcomes of convalescence, commitment and quality of life one-year postoperatively. There was a trend of higher usage of (electronic) aids in the online- and device-group

Keywords:

Obesity; Bariatric surgery; eHealth; Telemedicine

Cite the Article:

Versteegden DPA, Van Himbeeck MJJ, van Hout GCM, Aarts MPW, van Heugten LMAM, Nienhuijs SW. Early Results of a Comparative Study of eHealth in Bariatric Surgery. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2021; 4: 1341..