Cagliari, Sardinia – The Obesity Surgery unit at the Brotzu Hospital (ARNAS Brotzu) has once again been recognized as a SICOB Center of Excellence for 2025, solidifying its position as a leading facility for bariatric and metabolic surgery in Italy. This continued accreditation, awarded by the Italian Society for Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases (SICOB), underscores the hospital’s commitment to high-quality patient care, safety, and clinical outcomes in the increasingly key field of obesity treatment. The recognition highlights the growing need for specialized centers capable of addressing the complexities of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Obesity rates continue to rise globally, presenting significant challenges to public health systems. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity, and this number is projected to increase in the coming years. The WHO identifies obesity as a major risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Bariatric surgery, a proven intervention for individuals with severe obesity, offers a pathway to improved health and quality of life, but requires specialized expertise and a multidisciplinary approach.
A Commitment to Excellence in Bariatric Care
The Brotzu Hospital’s Obesity Surgery unit, led by Dr. Giovanni Fantola, earned the SICOB Center of Excellence designation by meeting stringent criteria set forth by the scientific society. These criteria encompass several key areas, including surgical volume, the quality of care pathways, patient safety protocols, and rigorous monitoring of clinical results. The certification process ensures that the facility adheres to best practices and maintains a consistently high standard of care. This isn’t simply about performing a high number of procedures; it’s about delivering consistently positive outcomes for patients.
“The confirmation as a SICOB Center of Excellence represents the verification of a path built with method and responsibility,” stated Maurizio Marcias, General Director of ARNAS Brotzu, in a press release. “Obesity surgery requires specific skills, integration between disciplines, and constant monitoring of outcomes. Operating in a certified context means offering patients clear references, transparent criteria, and an organization oriented towards quality.”
The Multidisciplinary Approach at ARNAS Brotzu
Central to the success of the Brotzu Hospital’s Obesity Surgery unit is its multidisciplinary approach to patient care. This involves a collaborative team of physicians, surgeons, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive support throughout the entire patient journey. From pre-operative evaluation and preparation to post-operative follow-up and long-term management, patients receive individualized care tailored to their specific needs.
Dr. Fantola emphasized the importance of this holistic approach, stating, “Maintaining such rigorous standards demonstrates the maturity of the structure and the consistency of the work done. In a sector where the demand for care is growing and clinical profiles are often complex, certification takes on a concrete value: guaranteeing appropriateness, continuity and attention to the person, through constant investment in skills and organization.”
This integrated model ensures that patients receive not only the surgical intervention they need but also the ongoing support and guidance necessary to achieve and maintain long-term weight loss and improved health. The focus extends beyond simply addressing the physical aspects of obesity to encompass the psychological, behavioral, and social factors that contribute to the condition.
What Does SICOB Center of Excellence Accreditation Mean for Patients?
For patients considering bariatric surgery, choosing a SICOB-accredited center like the Brotzu Hospital offers several key benefits. Firstly, it provides assurance that the facility meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Secondly, it indicates that the surgical team has the expertise and experience necessary to perform complex procedures effectively. Thirdly, it signifies a commitment to ongoing monitoring and improvement, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
The SICOB accreditation process involves a thorough review of the center’s facilities, equipment, surgical techniques, and patient outcomes. Centers must demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement and participate in national registries to track and analyze data. This data-driven approach helps to identify areas for improvement and ensure that patients receive evidence-based care.
Bariatric surgery encompasses a range of procedures, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) provides detailed information on these procedures, their risks and benefits, and the criteria for eligibility. The choice of procedure depends on individual patient factors, such as body mass index (BMI), overall health, and lifestyle.
The Growing Need for Specialized Obesity Care in Italy
The recognition of the Brotzu Hospital’s Obesity Surgery unit as a SICOB Center of Excellence comes at a time when Italy, like many other countries, is facing a growing obesity epidemic. According to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), approximately 11.9% of the Italian population is obese, and a further 36.7% is overweight. ISTAT regularly publishes data on health and lifestyle trends in Italy, providing valuable insights into the prevalence of obesity and related health issues.
This increasing prevalence of obesity is placing a significant strain on the Italian healthcare system, contributing to a rise in chronic diseases and healthcare costs. Investing in specialized obesity care, such as that provided by the Brotzu Hospital’s unit, is crucial for addressing this public health challenge. By providing access to high-quality bariatric surgery and comprehensive post-operative care, these centers can help patients improve their health, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, and enhance their overall quality of life.
The continued success of the Brotzu Hospital’s Obesity Surgery unit serves as a model for other healthcare facilities in Italy and beyond. By prioritizing patient safety, quality of care, and a multidisciplinary approach, the unit is making a significant contribution to the fight against obesity and its associated health consequences.
Key Takeaways
- The ARNAS Brotzu hospital in Cagliari, Sardinia, has been re-certified as a SICOB Center of Excellence for obesity surgery for 2025.
- The certification highlights the hospital’s commitment to high-quality patient care, safety, and clinical outcomes in bariatric and metabolic surgery.
- A multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of healthcare professionals, is central to the unit’s success.
- The recognition comes as Italy faces a growing obesity epidemic, emphasizing the need for specialized obesity care.
Looking ahead, the Brotzu Hospital’s Obesity Surgery unit will continue to refine its practices and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of patients. The unit is committed to staying at the forefront of bariatric surgery innovation and providing the highest possible level of care. For individuals seeking information about bariatric surgery options in Sardinia, contacting the ARNAS Brotzu directly is the best first step. We encourage readers to share this article and engage in a conversation about the importance of accessible and high-quality obesity care.
