Same Day Discharge for Obesity

(TABS Trial)

Overseen By Jason Samuels

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Must not be taking: Anticoagulants, Opioids, Insulin

Disqualifiers: Type 1 diabetes, Heart failure, Stroke, Chronic kidney disease, Tobacco use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the safety of same-day discharge after bariatric surgery compared to an overnight hospital stay. It aims to determine which option results in fewer emergency room visits within a week post-surgery. The trial seeks participants planning to undergo sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery, with a BMI of 60 or less, and without specific health issues such as type 1 diabetes or heart problems. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving post-surgery care and recovery options.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes people who are currently using anticoagulants or chronic opioids. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

What prior data suggests that same day discharge after bariatric surgery is safe?

Research has shown that same-day discharge after weight-loss surgery is generally safe. Studies have found that patients who leave the hospital on the same day do not face a higher risk of serious complications, additional surgery, or death shortly after. For instance, the chance of serious issues within 30 days is less than 6%, and the risk of death averages between 0.03% and 0.2%. Outpatient weight-loss surgeries, where patients go home the same day, have proven safe when patients are carefully selected and specific conditions are met. Overall, same-day discharge appears to be a well-tolerated option for many undergoing weight-loss surgery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the same day discharge approach for obesity surgery because it can significantly streamline the recovery process. Unlike the standard care, which requires at least one night in the hospital, this method allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home after surgery on the same day. This can lead to reduced hospital costs, less exposure to potential hospital-related complications, and potentially a more comfortable recovery environment for patients. Overall, it offers a more efficient and patient-friendly recovery option following obesity surgery.

What evidence suggests that same day discharge is effective for obesity surgery?

This trial will compare same-day discharge with standard hospital admission for patients undergoing weight-loss surgery. Studies have shown that going home the same day after weight-loss surgery can be safe and effective. A review found that the success rate for same-day discharge ranges from 63% to 100% for sleeve gastrectomy and 88% to 98.1% for gastric bypass. The likelihood of needing to return to the hospital after same-day discharge is low, typically between 0.6% and 4%. Research indicates that with proper selection and discharge guidelines, patients can safely go home the same day without increasing the risk of complications. Overall, same-day discharge is a promising option for many undergoing weight-loss surgery. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The TABS trial is for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery to treat obesity. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants should be in stable health and meet certain weight and medical requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI ≤ 60 kg/m2

I have had a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery.

I am scheduled for weight loss surgery at a participating hospital.

Exclusion Criteria

Type 1 Diabetes

I need insulin to manage my diabetes.

Chronic opioid use

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo bariatric surgery and are randomized to either same day discharge or at least one night stay in the hospital

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for emergency department visits and readmissions after surgery

30 days

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Same Day Discharge

Trial Overview This study compares two post-operative care plans: patients who go home the same day of their bariatric surgery versus those who stay at least one night in the hospital. The main focus is on how often patients need emergency care within a week after surgery.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Standard of care - Hospital Admission Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients in the standard of care arm will be admitted to the hospital for at least one overnight stay in the hospital.

Group II: Same Day Discharge Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients in the same day discharge will be discharged from the hospital following surgery without an overnight stay in the hospital.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

922

Recruited

939,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11362384/

Outcomes of same-day discharge in bariatric surgery Our study is a retrospective cohort analysis where patients were either admitted to the hospital or discharged on the same day as surgery.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550728922006645

Review article Outcomes of same-day discharge sleeve ... The SDD success rate was 63%–100% (PP: 99%) after SG and 88%–98.1% after RYGB. The readmission rate ranged from .6% to 20.8% (PP: 4%) after SDD SG and 2.4%–4% ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12065675/

Safety and Feasibility of Same-Day Discharge After ... SDD after primary bariatric procedures is considered safe if specific selection and discharge criteria are maintained.

4. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/international-journal-of-surgery/fulltext/2025/07000/same_day_discharge_vs__inpatient_stay_in.1.aspx

Same-day discharge vs. inpatient stay in laparoscopic sleeve HIGHLIGHTS · Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing same-day discharge versus inpatient stay following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

5. soard.org soard.org/article/S1550-7289(22)00715-8/fulltext

Outcomes of same-day discharge sleeve gastrectomy and ... Successful SDD, readmission, and morbidity rates were primary outcomes, and reoperation and mortality rates were secondary outcomes. Given ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40301169/

Safety of Same-Day Discharge Bariatric Surgery Conclusions: Outpatient bariatric surgeries demonstrated strong safety with minimal complications, underscoring their viability in carefully selected patients.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550728924006750

Safety of gastric bypass with same-day discharge: a ... Gastric bypass with SDD is safe, with no increased risk of short-term severe complications, reoperations, or mortality.

8. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-024-11053-w

Outcomes of same-day discharge in bariatric surgery The mortality rate for bariatric surgery is estimated to be 0.03–0.2%, and the 30-day risk of adverse events is less than 6% on average [2]. In ...