What Are the Complications of Loop Gastric Bypass Revision Surgery?

Gastric bypass has gained in popularity as a method to deal with problems with obesity. For individuals who have fought with their weight for many years, gastric bypass may be the best option provided that it is performed by an experienced surgeon with knowledge of the potential problems that can arise for patients after the procedure. Although gastric bypass surgery was introduced in the late 1960s, the loop gastric bypass method has been largely abandoned in favor of other procedures.

Gastric Surgery

• According to GastricBypass.com, loop gastric bypass was first introduced in the late 1960s. At the time, it was considered an innovation when compared to the stomach stapling procedures of the past. However, the problem that was related to this new surgery was that it potentially allowed digestive juices to leak. As of several years ago, it was declared by the American Society for Gastric Surgery that this procedure should not be performed. However, in recent years, loop gastric bypass has been reintroduced under a new name of "mini" gastric bypass. Unfortunately, the problems of the past do not appear to have been resolved, often patients need revision surgery.

Revisions

• Revision surgery for loop gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass is usually undertaken by a very experienced surgeon. In most cases, according to Franco Rizzi, MD, the revision surgery is an attempt to create a better roux-en-y surgical procedure. The loop gastric bypass is very similar to the gold standard roux-en-y procedure, although the loop bypass is considered an easier, if defective, surgical procedure to complete.

Roux-en-Y

• The gold standard of gastric bypass is considered the roux-en-y, according to GastricBypass.com. This surgery is most often performed as a laparoscopic procedure, where pencil-thin tubes are inserted into small incisions in the abdomen. These tubes contain the small tools that are used by the surgeon to complete the procedure. The advantage of laparoscopic surgery is that it requires less recovery time, smaller incisions and less time in the hospital.

Gastric Band

• According to GastricBypass.com, another popular option for gastric bypass is the gastric band. For individuals morbidly obese, the gastric band may be a better choice than the roux-en-y procedure. This is because gastric band bypass does not restrict food consumption as dramatically. As a result, individuals are able to adjust to eating smaller portions more easily. Also, the gastric band can be adjusted as needed and does not result in the same complications as the roux-en-y procedure, such as malnutrition.

Complications

• According to Rizzi, once the surgery is completed, the complications are similar to those that might occur with a roux-en-y gastric bypass. Many individuals experience significant problems with food tolerance, particularly foods high in sugar, such as bread, cake, ice cream and other foods. Other foods that can be problematic are chicken, beef, alcohol and carbonated drinks. Malnutrition can also be a significant problem, and many patients require regular vitamin B shots and nutritional supplements to stay healthy.