Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass for Obesity

A major advance in the field of bariatric surgery, laparoscopic bypass, makes the surgery less traumatic for the patient, results in fewer healing problems, and allows patients to resume normal activities much more quickly than conventional surgery. The procedure is being pioneered at the Baptist Memorial Hospital (Oxford, MI, USA) by Michael Lewis King, M.D., a surgeon and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

Although it is more difficult for the surgeon, laparoscopic bypass is easier on the patient. Instead of the 15 cm incision required by the open technique, the new bypass is performed through five or six portholes only about 1-1 1/2 cm in diameter, just large enough to pass through instruments. The underlying tissue is substantially less disturbed, and problems related to healing are significantly reduced. Moreover, patients can resume normal activities in as little as 10-14 days, compared to six to eight weeks with conventional surgery.

In the procedure, the stomach is separated into two parts, creating a small pouch that restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. The pouch allows the patient to feel full after a very small meal. Also, the small intestine is divided and arranged so that the digestion and absorption of food is altered. The patient eats smaller quantities of food and less food is actually absorbed, resulting in weight loss.

The American Society for Bariatric Surgeons feels strongly that the procedure should be performed only by bariatric surgeons, for the good of the patient, notes Dr. King. You need to know the indications of the operation, as well as how to perform another procedure if need be.