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Surgical Endoscopy

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01-08-2007

The effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on the nonalcoholic fatty liver in morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery

Authors: O. Benjaminov, N. Beglaibter, L. Gindy, H. Spivak, P. Singer, M. Wienberg, A. Stark, M. Rubin

Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 8/2007

Abstract

Background

Bariatric surgery may be complicated by enlargement of the liver, especially of the left lobe, caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease often present with morbid obesity.

Methods

The effect of a very low carbohydrate diet for 4 weeks before surgery on liver density and volume was assessed in 14 candidates for bariatric surgery. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed before and at termination of the diet period.

Results

The CT scans clearly showed a significant increase in mean liver density (p = 0.06) and a decrease in mean liver volume (p = 0.01). The increased mean density of the left lobe was markedly greater than that of the right lobe.

Conclusions

The findings show that 4 weeks of a very low carbohydrate diet reduces liver fat content and liver size, particularly of the left lobe. This approach may render bariatric surgery or any foregut operations less difficult in morbidly obese patients and may be a useful treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

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Title: The effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on the nonalcoholic fatty liver in morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery
Authors: O. Benjaminov
N. Beglaibter
L. Gindy
H. Spivak
P. Singer
M. Wienberg
A. Stark
M. Rubin
Publication date: 01-08-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy / Issue 8/2007
Print ISSN: 0930-2794
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-006-9182-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on the nonalcoholic fatty liver in morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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