IFSO-EC

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Frequently asked

Glossary

1

IFSO-EC

The European Chapter of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. It convenes European bariatric and metabolic surgeons, integrated health professionals and industry around a scientific congress, of which the 2027 edition is held in Munich.

2

Metabolic surgery

Gastrointestinal surgery performed primarily to improve metabolic disease, notably type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia, rather than weight loss alone. It is a core theme of the IFSO-EC scientific programme, where glycaemic outcomes are reported alongside weight outcomes.

3

Sleeve gastrectomy

A restrictive procedure in which roughly 75-80 percent of the stomach is removed along the greater curvature to create a tube. It is the most frequently performed bariatric operation in many European countries and dominates the stapling technology shown in the Munich exhibition.

4

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

A combined restrictive and malabsorptive operation creating a small gastric pouch anastomosed to a jejunal limb, with the bypassed stomach and duodenum reconnected downstream. Long-term diabetes and reflux outcomes make it a benchmark comparator in congress debates.

5

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)

A single-loop bypass variant that avoids a second anastomosis and shortens operative time. European practice varies widely, so OAGB versus Roux-en-Y comparisons are a recurring scientific-session topic at IFSO-EC.

6

Revisional and conversional surgery

Operations that correct inadequate weight loss, weight regain or complications after a previous bariatric procedure, such as converting a sleeve to a bypass. These cases drive demand for longer instruments, reinforced stapling and complex endoscopic salvage techniques.

7

%TWL and %EWL

Percentage total weight loss and percentage excess weight loss, the two standard reporting metrics for bariatric outcomes. Expect both in IFSO-EC abstract presentations, and check which metric a study uses before comparing results.

8

Type 2 diabetes remission

Sustained return to non-diabetic glycaemic parameters after metabolic surgery, usually defined by HbA1c and medication withdrawal. Remission durability is one of the outcome questions that shapes referral criteria in European guidelines.

9

BMI (body mass index)

Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Eligibility thresholds for bariatric and metabolic surgery, and the adjusted thresholds used for Asian populations, are defined in BMI terms.

10

Integrated health

The IFSO term for the multidisciplinary, non-surgical side of obesity care: dietetics, psychology, nursing, physiotherapy and patient education. Integrated health sessions run alongside surgical tracks at IFSO-EC congresses.

11

Multidisciplinary team (MDT)

The surgeon, physician, dietitian, psychologist and nurse group that assesses, prepares and follows up bariatric patients. European accreditation schemes expect documented MDT review before surgery.

12

ERAS in bariatric surgery

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols covering carbohydrate loading, opioid-sparing anaesthesia, early mobilisation and early oral intake. ERAS compliance is a frequent quality-metric topic at the congress.

13

Staple-line reinforcement

Buttress material, oversewing or sealants applied to the staple line to reduce bleeding and leak risk. Reinforcement products are among the most visible technologies in the technical exhibition.

14

Anastomotic leak

A defect at a staple line or anastomosis allowing luminal contents to escape, the most feared early complication of bariatric surgery. Detection, endoscopic management and reintervention strategy are heavily covered in IFSO-EC sessions.

15

Endoscopic bariatric therapy

Minimally invasive, often reversible procedures such as intragastric balloons, endoscopic sleeveplasty and endoscopic suturing, used as primary therapy or as treatment for weight regain. These devices bridge the medical and surgical tracks of the programme.

16

Biliopancreatic diversion / duodenal switch

A malabsorptive operation combining a sleeve with a duodeno-ileal anastomosis. It gives high weight loss but demands lifelong micronutrient monitoring, making it a benchmark for the nutrition and follow-up content at the congress.

17

Micronutrient deficiency

Depletion of iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium or thiamine after bariatric surgery. Supplementation regimens and monitoring intervals are the practical reason nutrition exhibitors attend the meeting.

18

Bariatric accreditation and registry

National or European schemes that audit centre volumes, outcomes and follow-up against defined standards, and registries that pool outcome data. Registry partners exhibit alongside device manufacturers to recruit centres.

19

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Incretin-based obesity pharmacotherapy that has changed referral patterns and perioperative planning. Their interaction with surgical indications and anaesthetic management features in the 2027 scientific discussion.

20

SADI-S

Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy, a simplified malabsorptive option. It appears in IFSO-EC programmes in the debate over how much malabsorption is appropriate for which patient.

21

Obesity medicine

The non-surgical medical specialty managing obesity as a chronic disease, covering pharmacotherapy, behaviour change and comorbidity control. Its growing presence is why IFSO-EC congresses mix surgical and medical audiences.

22

Learning curve and credentialing

The case volume and supervision required before a surgeon performs a procedure independently, and the formal documentation of that competence. It drives the skills-workshop and trainee content of the congress.