SAGES 2009 Annual Meeting
Surgical Spring Week Presentations

April 22-24, 2009
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona

Surgical Treatment of Type II Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Panel:
What Does the Science/Evidence Say?

Chair: Alfonso Torquati, M.D.; Co-Chair: Atul Madan, M.D.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective and long lasting treatment for morbid obesity. However, now there is a growing body of substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of bariatric procedures in controlling type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These findings have sparked an intense scientific debate but several questions remain unanswered: Which surgical procedure produces the most significant clinical and biochemical improvement in glucose homeostasis? Which mechanisms are responsible for such remarkable metabolic response? Should the BMI restrictions for bariatric surgery be lifted in diabetic patients?

The invited speakers will provide an evidence-based overview of the literature to support their point and position in these controversial issues. An interactive Audience Response System will be used to enhance discussion during this session.

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to review and discuss both sides of the debate on three issues germane to the treatment of type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome:

• Role of surgery in the management of type II diabetes mellitus
• Metabolic hypotheses behind the change in glucose metabolism induced by bariatric procedures
• Surgery versus medical treatment in the management of type II diabetes in class 1 obesity (BMI 30-35)