Duodenal Switch Surgery In Mexico

By Jocelyn Davidson


The surgical procedure to do a duodenal switch combines mal-absorptive and restrictive surgery meant for losing weight. This procedure reduces the food quantity one is able to take and the amount of calories the body can absorb and utilize. The surgical procedure is used to create a stomach pouch of moderate size and bypassing some section of the small intestine. For people that look to go for duodenal switch surgery in Mexico, it is essential that they know what to expect.

It can either be performed in a surgical center or hospital and general anesthesia is used. Half-inch long incisions are made in several areas of the stomach as well as the middle of the abdomen. As a result, the stomach is left attached to the first small intestine segment. This segment is known as the duodenum. There is then separation of the duodenum from remaining sections of the ileum.

What follows is the attachment of the duodenum to lower parts of the small intestine. As this is done, most of the first and second segments of the ileum are bypassed. When this is done, the surgical doctor affirms that there are no leakages before he or she withdraws the instruments used. The incisions are then closed using either sterile tapes or absorbable sutures.

The results of the procedure are excellent. On average, a patient will lose between 70 and 80 percent of the excess weight after two years following the surgical procedure. There are increased risks of suffering from nutritional deficiencies with this procedure than with the other weight loss procedures. For their lifetime, the patient will have to use nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals.

In the long term, the majority of patients that opt for the procedure will have lasting outcomes. Since the body cannot absorb all the food that is taken in, one does not need to consider lifestyle changes as with the other forms of bariatric surgery. Further, patients can eat larger food portions compared to those that go for the other restrictive surgeries. This allows for greater satisfaction in patients.

The benefits of the procedure are diverse, starting of course with the efficient loss of weight. One will have better quality of eating because of the normal stomach. There is the removal of the part of the food pouch that has the hormone that stimulates hunger, which means hunger and appetite are considerably reduced. For people that take anti-inflammatory drugs, formation of ulcer will not be increased. It is also possible to partially reverse the intestinal bypass in case one is having mal-absorptive complications.

There are some disadvantages as well. For instance, there is increase probability of suffering from chronic diarrhea and gas. With increased mal-absorption, one could suffer from anemia, lack of proteins and metabolic diseases of bones. About 15 percent of people are affected by these conditions. Excessive intake of carbohydrates leads to abdominal pain or insufficient weight loss. There could also be regaining of weight in the long term.

There is the possibility of having complications just like is the case with most surgeries. These include duodenal leak, small bowel obstruction and post-operative nausea. If performed by experienced surgeons, chances of complications are minimal.




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