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Revisional Bariatric Surgery
What is Revisional Bariatric
Surgery?
While bariatric surgery provides excellent result
for most patients, some patients -- particularly those
who may have had an outmoded operation performed many
years ago -- may not have had the positive outcome they
expected. If you have had a bariatric operation in the
past, but have not achieved successful weight loss,
you may be a candidate for a revisional operation.
Can an Old Bariatric
Operation be Converted to a More Modern One?
In the past, many patients underwent "stomach
stapling," another term for the vertical banded
gastroplasty, or VBG. Although this operation may work
for some individuals, a large proportion of VBG patients
are left with inadequate weight loss. Some VBG patients
also experience unpleasant side effects such as excessive
vomiting.
A VBG procedure may be converted to a
gastric bypass or a BPD-DS (duodenal switch). It is
important to understand that any revisional procedure
is a very major operation, with risks that are greater
than for a primary procedure. Nonetheless, many patients
may benefit substantially from a conversion of their
VBG.
| FAQ |
Q. Can revisional surgery
be performed laparoscopically?
A. It is possible to do revisional surgery
using the laparoscopic approach. However, there
is a MUCH higher chance that the operation will
need to be converted to an open operation. Ultimately,
your surgeon will want to use the approach which
results in the safest outcome. |
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