To Choose Mini or Traditional?
One of the newer approved bariatric procedures is the mini gastric bypass, an alternative to the traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Here is how these surgeries differ and why one may be a more ideal option for a patient than the other.
Understanding Traditional Gastric Bypass Surgery
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the world. During the procedure, the stomach is divided into an upper pouch that is about the size of an egg,
and a lower pouch. The small intestine is rerouted, with the bottom end brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach. The top end of the divided small intestine[AO1] is connected to an area further down so that stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed portion of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine will eventually mix with the food. This procedure is both restrictive, in that the stomach cannot hold as much food, and malabsorptive due to the bypass in the small intestine, which results in the absorption of fewer calories. These two components result in significant weight loss.
Ideal Candidates for Traditional Gastric Bypass Surgery
The best candidates for traditional gastric bypass surgery are people who suffer from morbid obesity, with a BMI of 40 or greater. Patients who have a BMI of 34[AO2] -39 can also qualify if they suffer from obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea or serious hypertension.
About Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
A mini gastric bypass is a variation on gastric bypass traditional surgery outlined above. In essence, it is much like the traditional gastric bypass as two stomach pouches are created and the small intestine is rerouted to help connect these two sections. The primary difference is that the mini version involves less intestinal rerouting and a shorter overall surgery time than a traditional gastric bypass.
The Risks and Benefits of Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
The primary benefits of mini gastric bypass are that they offer results comparable to a traditional gastric bypass through a shorter and less invasive surgical procedure. That typically means an easier recovery process with less chance of complications.
The risks are similar to a traditional gastric bypass with regard to infection and adverse side effects. There is also the risk that the weight loss will not be as dramatic as it would be with a traditional gastric bypass, requiring additional treatment.
Ideal Candidates for Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
Good candidates for the mini gastric bypass surgery are also candidates for the traditional gastric bypass in many cases.
Advantages of the Mini Gastric Bypass
In addition to the reduced surgery time and simplified procedure, a mini gastric bypass has demonstrated fewer instances of complications than a traditional gastric bypass due to less rerouting of the small intestine and the stomach pouches made in a different fashion. This means a safer and faster procedure that yields similar results. It takes special training and care to perform the mini gastric bypass, which often translates into more attentive and careful surgical procedures.
Why a Traditional Gastric Bypass May Be More Ideal
Some patients may have health concerns or physiological situations where a traditional gastric bypass may be more viable. Studies are ongoing as to the effectiveness and results of the mini gastric bypass, so more research needs to be done and more data collected.
Learn More About Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
For more information about your various options for surgical weight loss and which ones might be most ideal for you, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery specialists today. The team at our practice will be happy to discuss these matters with you in greater detail.
