Bariatric Complications: Dr. Sharique Nazir’s Expert Strategies at WALS 2025

Bariatric surgery has emerged as a transformative solution for individuals grappling with severe obesity, offering not only significant weight loss but also the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. However, like any surgical intervention, bariatric procedures are not without risks. Complications—ranging from acute issues like leaks and bleeding to long-term challenges such as nutritional deficiencies and motility disorders—require expert management to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. At the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) 2025 conference, Dr. Sharique Nazir, a distinguished robotic and bariatric surgeon, is poised to share his innovative strategies for addressing these complications, drawing on his extensive experience and leadership in the field.

Dr. Sharique Nazir, Chief of Bariatric & Robotic Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem and Assistant Professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. With over 19 years of practice and a robust academic background—including fellowships in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery from NYU Lutheran Medical Center and Carolinas Medical Center—he has established himself as a pioneer in laparoscopic and robotic techniques. His role as the 2025 President of the International College of Surgeons, US Section, further underscores his influence and commitment to advancing surgical care. At WALS 2025, Dr. Nazir’s presentation is expected to highlight cutting-edge approaches to managing bariatric complications, blending clinical precision with a patient-centered philosophy.

One of the most pressing complications in bariatric surgery is the occurrence of postoperative leaks, particularly at the staple line in procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These leaks can lead to sepsis and prolonged hospital stays if not addressed promptly. Dr. Nazir’s expertise in robotic-assisted surgery offers a compelling solution. By leveraging the precision and enhanced visualization of robotic platforms, he minimizes tissue trauma and optimizes staple line integrity during surgery. His research, including studies presented at SAGES Annual Clinical Congresses, emphasizes techniques such as staple line reinforcement to reduce the incidence of leaks and bleeding. At WALS 2025, attendees can anticipate a detailed exploration of how these advanced technologies improve outcomes in high-risk patients, such as the super-super obese (BMI > 60 kg/m²), a population he has extensively studied.

Beyond acute complications, Dr. Nazir’s strategies extend to managing long-term challenges, such as nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal motility issues. Bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion alter nutrient absorption, often resulting in deficiencies of vitamins B12, D, and iron. Drawing from his publications, including a review on foregut malignancy post-metabolic surgery, Dr. Nazir advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates preoperative nutritional counseling, meticulous postoperative monitoring, and tailored supplementation regimens. His work on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-induced gut dysmotility and retrograde intussusception—conditions that can cause obstruction and necrosis—further highlights his focus on early diagnosis and surgical intervention. At WALS, he is likely to discuss how imaging, such as CT scans, combined with robotic precision, can address these rare but serious complications effectively.

Another key aspect of Dr. Nazir’s approach is his emphasis on patient selection and preoperative optimization, critical factors in mitigating complications. Obesity often coexists with conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which elevate surgical risks. His experience with super-super obese patients demonstrates that laparoscopic procedures, when carefully planned, can be safely performed without routine use of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters, challenging conventional protocols. This tailored strategy, supported by his retrospective reviews, ensures that patients are adequately prepared—both physically and psychologically—reducing perioperative morbidity. At WALS 2025, Dr. Nazir may share protocols for risk stratification and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), which his research suggests decreases complications and shortens hospital stays.

Dr. Nazir’s global perspective, informed by his multilingual fluency (Urdu, Hindi, Russian) and international training in Russia, the Philippines, and the UK, enriches his strategies. His leadership roles, including Vice President of the International College of Surgeons, US Section, and his tenure as Honorary Police Surgeon for the NYPD, reflect a commitment to community health that transcends the operating room. At WALS 2025, this holistic outlook will likely manifest in discussions on how socioeconomic and cultural factors influence complication rates and recovery, urging surgeons to adopt a broader lens in patient care.

In conclusion, Dr. Sharique Nazir’s contributions at WALS 2025 promise to redefine the management of bariatric complications through a synthesis of robotic innovation, evidence-based techniques, and comprehensive patient care. His strategies—rooted in years of clinical practice, research, and leadership—offer practical solutions to both immediate and enduring challenges in bariatric surgery. As obesity continues to pose a global health crisis, Dr. Nazir’s insights will inspire surgeons worldwide to refine their practices, ensuring safer, more effective outcomes for patients. His presentation at WALS 2025 stands as a testament to the power of expertise and innovation in transforming lives through surgical excellence.