Monday, September 12, 2016

Facts Related To Gastric Banding And Sleeve Gastrectomy

By Ryan Meyer


Bariatric surgeries are increasingly becoming an acceptable method of weight control in New York. In general these methods achieve their effect by reducing the stomach capacity which in turn reduces the amount of food that an individual can eat at a given time. Related to the same is early satiety and reduced absorption of nutrients. There are three main types of bariatric operations that are performed. These include gastric bypass, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy.

Banding and gastrectomy are distinct options but the principles are the same. As the name suggests, banding involves the use of an artificial band made from silicone. This band is usually fixed to a portion of the stomach resulting in compression. The compression causes a reduction in the volume of the stomach which means that less food will be held from the time of the duration onward.

There are two main forms of surgical approaches that can be used in the placement of silicone bands. The first, the open technique, is performed through a large incision in the anterior abdominal wall. Under direct visualization, the surgeon locates the stomach and places the band in the desired region manually. The second method which is the commoner and more preferred of the two is the laparoscopic approach. Here access to the abdominal cavity is through very small incisions.

The compression force used varies from patient to patient and is mainly determined by the condition of the patient. Excessive weight tends to require a higher degree of compression depending to weight that is just slightly more than average. A plastic tube continuous with the band has one of its ends placed just below the skin in an accessible area. The force of compression can be adjusted by filling the tube with saline or withdrawing it.

There are several complications that may occur when one undergoes this kind of operation. They include, among others, excessive loss of blood, infections, vomiting and nausea. Excessive compression is thought to be the main contributing factor for nausea and vomiting. Reducing the compression force reduces the severity of these two. To reduce the risk of infections, prophylactic antibiotics have to be administered.

Gastrectomy can also be performed through an open and laparoscopic techniques. The laparoscopic option is the more preferred option due to the lower rate of complications. During gastrectomy, the stomach is cut along its length and a large portion of it (between 75% and 80%). The remnant is a small tubular structure that also resembles a sleeve and hence the name.

The tubular structure of the stomach after the operation reduces the transit time of food considerably. This means that less nutrients are absorbed and this is what all bariatric operations aim to achieve. Side effects that may arise from gastrectomy are similar to those that are seen with the banding procedure. Those that may relate to gastrectomy only include food leakage and the loss of stitches or staples.

Ideal candidates to undergo bariatric surgeries are persons that have tried losing weight through lifestyle modification and have been unsuccessful. Regular exercise and proper diet are among the most effective modalities of weight loss and their benefits must be optimized first before other solutions are considered. A patient with a very high body mass index stands to benefit more than one with a lower value.




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