Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41514128›Full record

SynthesisSurgical endoscopy2026

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal pain after bariatric surgery: a systematic review.

Alba Zevallos, Sjaak Pouwels

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Surgical endoscopy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Alba ZevallosDepartment of Surgery, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5567-9733
Sjaak PouwelsDepartment of Surgery, University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University - Campus Klinikum Lippe, Röntgenstraße 18, 32756, Detmold, NRW, Germany. sjaakpwls@gmail.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and related comorbidities, but a substantial proportion of patients develop chronic abdominal pain (CAP), defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting more than three months. CAP significantly impairs quality of life, is reported in 30-50% of patients, and represents one of the leading causes of emergency visits and readmissions. This systematic review aims to summarize the multifactorial etiologies of CAP following bariatric surgery, highlight diagnostic challenges, and propose a multidisciplinary framework for effective management.

methodsA comprehensive literature search (PubMed and Scopus) was conducted from inception to March 15, 2025. Eligible studies included original research, case series, case reports, observational studies, and clinical trials evaluating CAP in adult patients after primary bariatric surgery. Data on prevalence, etiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic interventions were extracted and synthesized.

resultsOf the 2,111 identified articles, 51 studies met the inclusion criteria. CAP was found to have diverse etiologies, including anatomical, functional, nutritional deficiencies, biliary disorders, abdominal wall conditions, and psychological contributors. Diagnostic strategies emphasized a stepwise approach integrating history, physical examination, targeted imaging, endoscopy, laboratory studies, and psychological screening. Treatment requires etiology-specific management combining surgical, endoscopic, medical, dietary, behavioral, and psychological interventions.

conclusionCAP after bariatric surgery is common, multifactorial, and underrecognized, leading to significant patient morbidity and healthcare burden. A systematic, multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach is essential to optimize patient outcomes, reduce readmissions, and enhance the long-term success of metabolic surgery.

Indexed as

Abdominal PainBariatric SurgeryChronic PainHumansAbdominal painBariatric surgeryChronic painDiagnosisMetabolic surgeryTreatment

Identifiers

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.