Guilherme Alfaro Hospital in Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, has started offering bariatric surgeries through the Unified Health System (SUS), becoming a regional reference for this treatment. SUS patients who are candidates for this surgery should seek out the Basic Health Units in their municipality to start the preparation protocol and refer them to the HGA for the procedure.
“The clinic started operating last week,” highlights Guilherme Alfaro Hospital Director and Service Coordinator, Monica Mazurana, in an interview with st 1 This Tuesday (17).
According to her, the patient on an outpatient basis undergoes preoperative procedures, which include a series of examinations, follow-up and preparation with a multidisciplinary team. “The first surgery will continue, as there are full preparations before the operation, and I think we will have surgery for the first patient in a couple of months,” Monica adds.
As revealed by the hospital, it is estimated that there may be around 36,000 people eligible to have the surgery in Baixada Santista, and as of now, there is no hospital accredited to perform bariatric surgery by SUS in the area.
Bariatric surgery can be performed by obese or morbidly obese patients, who, by definition, are individuals with a BMI greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 associated with certain diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Hepatotoxicity and apnea. Sleep and infertility, among others (there are 21 diseases included in the SBCBM).
The hospital unit highlights that obesity affects different contexts included in the definition of health, as it can cause many serious diseases, such as heart problems, diabetes, joint problems, thrombosis, infertility and cancer, which can lead to the loss of up to 10 years of the average Life expectancy. In addition, often the most serious consequence is the effect on the poor quality of life and on the difficulties experienced in psycho-emotional relationships.
According to the hospital director, the idea is to enable this service with the Ministry of Health. “So, at least, we have to do eight surgeries per month, but we intend to do 16. If the patient is obese and needs to be treated, the service starts in the municipalities, and from the municipality he will be transferred to the hospital for surgery,” he explained.
In order to develop this service, HGA informed that it has secured support from the Ministry of Health of the State of São Paulo, which has made it a priority and made the necessary investments for the renovations and equipment needed to perform this surgery, and with the support of Deputy State Lieutenant Colonel Coimbra (PSL).
“We are the first hospital in the region to offer this service through SUS, and it is a dream come true for us. Because being able to offer treatment at SUS that allows us to bring back the life expectancy of our patients is very important. Being obese increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It reduces the life expectancy of patients, so it is not a cosmetic surgery, but a procedure that includes health and quality of life,” highlights Monica.
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Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.