Essential Principles On Gastric Bypass Surgery

By Pamela Graham


Imagine reorganizing the alimentary canal such that the small intestine separates the stomach into two unequal parts. Gastric bypass surgery does exactly that. It is an operation that one can benefit from when in New York City. The main aim is to alter the function of the digestive system to suit the needs of the individual in question. In this case, the concerned individual is one suffering from morbid obesity or associated conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea and diabetes among others.

Creating a smaller proximal portion of the stomach helps restrict the quantity of food intake. Gastric bypass procedures (GBP) can employ variable techniques to achieve the desired goal. Laparoscopy is the most common technique employed today. However, open surgery can be done in select cases. Laparoscopy involves making a number of incisions or channels to access given areas of the alimentary canal using a telescope and operating instruments.

Complications are bound to arise either in the course of the procedure or post operatively. The complications may be specific to bariatric surgeries or may be general to all other major abdominal procedures. It is important to know what complications to expect in order to weigh the risks and mortality of the same. Laparoscopic procedures are usually more preferred since it comes with less risk compared to open operations.

Bacteria present in the bowel may be released during the procedure, putting the patient at risk of infections. Additionally, the open incisions made expose one to infections, especially if sterility is not well observed. Hospital acquired infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, kidney and bladder infections may also occur. Short term use of antibiotics and focused respiratory therapy can help in management.

Blood thinners are usually administered prior to the operation to reduce the chances of venous thromboembolism. Venous thromboembolism occurs when a clot travels via blood from its original location to other organs, particularly the lungs. Without prompt diagnosis and intervention, this complication is potentially fatal.

Abdominal surgeries may also be associated with bleeding, bowel obstruction and hernias. Hemorrhage can be attributed to blood vessel rupture during the procedure. Arrangements should therefore be made preoperatively to make blood available for transfusion if needed. The types of hernias that occur in such cases are known as incisional hernias and are likely to occur when the surgical wound fails to heal as expected. These are not only painful but can also cause kinking of the bowel.

This procedure has numerous benefits when done right. Not only does it result in desired weight loss, it also reduces the effects of co morbidities significantly. An example is essential hypertension which is remedied in over seventy percent of patients subjected to the operation. Requirement for drugs in the remaining thirty percent is markedly reduced. Hyperlipidemia is also corrected in up to seventy percent of individuals.

Both emotional and physiological changes can be seen in patients who have undergone gastric bypass. This is attributed to the need to adjust their eating habits. The reduced amount of food portions lowers their energy levels. As a result, they end up with muscle weakness (also due to reduce protein intake). They tend to have difficulty in doing things such as climbing stairs or carrying heavy objects. However, with time, they become normal again as food intake increases.




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