A new study carried out in Bellvitge warns about the bone mass loss after bariatric surgery

The study analysed the bone mineral density of a group of severely obese patients one year after their operation. Eight out of ten patients in this group were women aged around 50. This study has been led by Dr. Carmen Gómez Vaquero, principal investigator of the research group on synovial inflammation and bone metabolism at IDIBELL and doctor at the Bellvitge University Hospital, and has counted on the collaboration of Dr. Núria Vilarrasa, researcher in endocrinology and nutrition at IDIBELL and Bellvitge Hospital.

The results show that certain surgical techniques, especially those that reduce nutrient absorption, have a significant impact on the loss of bone mass, particularly in the hip area and on bone microarchitecture (the bones’ inner part). This implies that some patients may need calcium and vitamin D supplements on an ongoing basis to protect their bone health.

Dr. Gómez Vaquero, who presented these results at the VI SER Course on Osteoporosis in Madrid, explained that “not all surgeries have the same effect. More restrictive techniques, such as vertical gastrectomy, do not increase the risk of fracture. On the other hand, techniques that affect absorption may require special monitoring and supplementation.”

The study has been possible thanks to the incorporation of 3D-DXA technology, which allows a more detailed analysis of the affected bone areas. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve the medical follow-up of patients after surgery, especially for those who can benefit from less invasive techniques, in order to reduce the risk of fracture and maintain good bone health in the long term.

The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center created in 2004. It is participated by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).