A systematic review was conducted conforming to PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for all articles published prior to April 2019 matching all of the keywords ‘bariatric’, ‘paraplegia’ and ‘spinal cord’. Articles were assessed for relevance and full texts reviewed.

In addition, clinical records were reviewed for three patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single UK private institution. Non‐identifiable demographic, clinical, operative and outcome data were obtained from electronic records.

 

Twenty seven articles were retrieved from the initial database search, of which nine eligible full texts were reviewed. Eight articles were case reports or case series and the final article was a systematic review. All cases reported had positive outcomes with significant weight loss, improvement in mobility and increased quality of life. Outcomes from the three diversely aged patients in our case series were similarly positive, with no significant post‐operative complications.

 

Patients with obesity and paraplegia may significantly benefit from bariatric surgery. There is a need for multi‐centre cohort studies to evaluate outcomes and the choice of bariatric intervention. UK guidelines do not include criteria based on mobility or neurological deficit, resulting in a potential missed opportunity to offer a cost‐effective treatment that can significantly improve quality of life for patients with severe obesity and paraplegia.