Duodenal switch surgeons specialize in a weight loss surgery that combines stomach size reduction with intestinal redirection to reduce food intake and absorption. The procedure carries a high risk of nutritional deficiencies, but is less likely to cause dumping syndrome and stomach ulcers. Prospective patients should seek experienced surgeons and investigate whether the surgery is suitable for them.
Duodenal switch surgeons are bariatric surgeons who specialize in this relatively rare type of weight loss surgery. These doctors typically use laparoscopic techniques to combine a reduction in stomach size with a redirection of the intestines. When done correctly, the procedure results in both a reduction in food intake and a significant reduction in the absorption of food from the intestines.
During surgery, duodenal switch surgeons remove most of the patient’s stomach. Unlike many types of weight loss surgery, the pyloric valve in the lower stomach is left intact. This means that some problems common in other types of bariatric surgery, such as dumping syndrome and stomach ulcers, are rare or non-existent with this procedure.
Another important part of the operation performed by duodenal switch surgeons is the redirection of the intestines. A portion of the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine, is left connected to the stomach. It continues, along with a small part of the rest of the small intestine, to the large intestine, where it is connected. Food is digested normally in the stomach, then travels through this shortened piece of small intestine and into the large intestine.
The part of the small intestine that carries food from the stomach to the large intestine is deliberately isolated from the normal digestive juices secreted by the pancreas and liver. Duodenal switch surgeons also remove the gallbladder. Digestive secretions are carried through a second section of the small intestine which rejoins the first section near where it enters the large intestine. This means that very little digestion occurs in the small intestine, resulting in continued weight loss for the patient.
One of the main reasons there aren’t many duodenal switch surgeons is the controversial nature of redirecting the intestines, deliberately causing malabsorption of food. While it is true that this can result in significant weight loss, it also carries a very high risk of nutritional deficiencies, putting patients at risk for many health problems. It is the prevailing feeling among many weight loss surgeons that this procedure is too risky.
For obese people interested in learning more about this surgery, the best place to start is by finding bariatric surgeons who are experienced with the procedure. A list of qualified weight loss surgeons should include a notation as to who are duodenal switch surgeons. Prospective patients should contact one or more of these physicians and investigate whether or not this surgery would be a reasonable procedure for them to have.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
