Regional Variation in Unmet Need for Metabolic Surgery in England: a Retrospective, Multicohort Analysis

Abstract

Metabolic surgery provision is severely limited despite extensive supportive trial evidence. This study estimated the eligible population and the unmet need for metabolic surgery within English regions. Health Survey for England, National Diabetes Audit and population estimates were used to estimate the metabolic surgery eligible population by English region. Hospital Episode Statistics data was examined for metabolic surgery procedure volume by region (2013–2019). Regression analysis examined factors associated with metabolic surgery eligibility. 7.3% of the English population is potentially eligible for metabolic surgery; equivalent to 3.21 million people. Only 0.20% of the eligible English population receive metabolic surgery per year (regional variation 0.08–0.41%). The metabolic surgery eligible population was more likely to be female, older, have fewer educational qualifications and live in more deprived areas.