Abstract:

The general population are susceptible to COVID-19. During the epidemic of COVID-19, obese patients are more susceptible to infection and have more possibility of serious or even death after infection, due to their metabolic diseases and lower immunity. The current situation is so grim that the central government is making great efforts to contain the epidemic. In this context, metabolic and bariatric surgery is undoubtedly facing severe challenges. How to reduce the infection rate of obese people, protect the patients in hospital from cross infection, deal with various complications after metabolic and bariatric surgery correctly and safely, and protect the physical and mental health of relevant medical personnel are all the problems that need to be solved during the epidemic period. For medical development, the occurrence of major epidemic is not only a disaster, but also an effective promotion of medical progress and innovation. In addition to the challenges, it is of great significance to find new developments for metabolic and bariatric surgery. According to the relevant national guidelines, the latest literatures and the accumulated experiences in epidemic prevention work, we summarized the challenges, countermeasures and developments to make a reference for staff of metabolic and bariatric surgery to fight with COVID-19.

Key words: COVID-19, Obesity, Metabolic and bariatric surgery, Challenges, Countermeasures