Is bariatric surgery effective for fatty liver?

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a disorder in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is often linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. If left untreated, fatty liver may cause inflammation and scarring of the liver, a condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can proceed to cirrhosis and liver failure. Bariatric surgery, a method used to promote weight reduction in obese people, has been demonstrated to be useful in the treatment of fatty liver.

Several studies have shown that bariatric surgery is useful in treating fatty liver. According to one research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, individuals who had bariatric surgery had considerable decreases in liver fat content compared to those who just got medicinal treatment. The research also found that bariatric surgery improved liver enzymes and inflammatory indicators, suggesting a decrease in liver damage. These results imply that bariatric surgery not only aids in weight reduction, but also directly addresses the underlying disease of fatty liver.

Although the processes by which bariatric surgery reduces fatty liver are unknown, various possibilities have been offered. According to one idea, weight reduction after bariatric surgery improves insulin resistance, which is a critical role in the development of fatty liver. Insulin resistance limits liver cells’ capacity to break down and metabolize fat, causing it to accumulate in the liver. Bariatric surgery may improve the liver’s capacity to metabolize fat by lowering insulin resistance, resulting in a reduction in liver fat concentration.

Another notion is that bariatric surgery affects the gut microbiota, which is a colony of bacteria found in the digestive system. Individuals with fatty liver have a different gut flora than those who do not have the illness, according to research. It has been shown that bariatric surgery may normalize the gut microbiome by boosting the quantity of good bacteria while lowering the abundance of harmful bacteria. This alteration in the gut microbiota may help to alleviate fatty liver by changing dietary component metabolism and the creation of metabolites that impact liver function.

Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to have various additional health advantages in addition to treating fatty liver. It has been linked to a lower chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Bariatric surgery also enhances the quality of life and psychological well-being of obese people. These extra advantages make bariatric surgery an appealing choice for those with fatty liver who are also dealing with obesity and other health issues.

It is crucial to realize, however, that bariatric surgery is a serious medical treatment with hazards. Infection, hemorrhage, and vitamin shortages are all possible complications during or after surgery. As a result, bariatric surgery should be carefully examined in conjunction with a healthcare practitioner, taking into consideration the individual’s general health state as well as possible risks and advantages.

Finally, bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to be useful in the treatment of fatty liver. It not only leads to weight loss but also directly reduces liver fat content and improves markers of liver inflammation. The processes by which bariatric surgery reduces fatty liver are unknown, however they may entail reduced insulin resistance and changes in the gut microbiota. While bariatric surgery has great advantages for those with fatty liver disease and obesity, it is critical to thoroughly assess the risks before making a choice.