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Surgeons in B.C. say they often postpone, cancel or even decline to do surgery on obese patients because of worries about complications and demands on hospital resources, all known to be higher in patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

The gaps in surgical care for obese patients are reported in the current BC Medical Journal. Nearly 400 physicians across the province responded to a questionnaire sent to general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, obstetrician/gynecologists and anesthesiologists.

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Dr. Mark Dickeson, a co-author and general surgeon at Burnaby Hospital, acknowledged in an interview the concerning results:

• Ninety-six per cent of surgeon respondents have delayed or declined to perform elective surgery in patients with a BMI higher than 38;

• Nearly 80 per cent of surgeons delayed or declined to perform surgery due to concerns about complications in obese patients with a BMI of 30 to 34;