Surgical treatment of obesity: current status.

Although the treatment of massive obesity by intestinal bypass can clearly effect substantial weight loss, data are not yet available to compare the morbidity and mortality of the operation with those of marked obesity per se. Surgical mortality rates range from 2 to 10 percent. The majority of patients obtain beneficial, satisfactory results. Close observation is required for management of problems, which may include liver failure, urinary calculi, enteritis, arthralgias, malnutrition and electrolyte depletion.