PhD defence J.W.H. (Judtih) 't Hart

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

Obesity is a global health issue that is becoming increasingly urgent, with serious consequences for both physical and mental well-being. Bariatric surgery is one of the most commonly used and effective techniques for treating severe obesity, and it delivers good results. This thesis provides valuable insights for surgeons, healthcare providers, and patients in making informed decisions about surgical treatments and postoperative care.

Although current treatments are effective, there is still room for improvement. This thesis investigates which patients are most susceptible to early complications after bariatric surgery, and which biomarkers can help us detect these complications more quickly. It also examines how complications such as acid reflux (GERD) and postoperative bleeding can be prevented.

Furthermore, this work compares different bariatric procedures, such as gastric sleeve and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, focusing on long-term weight loss, improvement of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, and the impact on quality of life. The study explores which surgical technique best suits the individual patient.