This relatively new technique is becoming very popular with patients because it eliminates the large abdominal incision (diagram 1B) thereby resulting in less scarring and less pain. Through five or six small incisions (diagram 1) thin instruments and a camera are introduced into the abdominal cavity. The entire procedure is performed and viewed on a video monitor (diagram 2). Other benefits of laparoscopic technique include quicker recovery, shorter hospital stay, lesser chance of reoperation for hernias, and activities can be resumed sooner.
 |
|||
 |
 |
||
|
|||
|
Diagram 1
|
|||
|
||
 |
||
|
||
|
Diagram 2
|
||
With all the types of surgery, except for the LapBand and Vertical Gastroplasty, women especially, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss. Iron and calcium should be replaced through diet and supplements. Chronic anemia due to vitamin B-12 deficiency can also occur. This can usually be managed with B-12 pills or injections.
One disadvantage of the surgery is Dumping Syndrome. By bypassing the pylorus at the base of the stomach, a condition know as “Dumping Syndrome” can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents from the pouch into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. Dumping Syndrome is not considered to be a serious risk to your health, however the results can be unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and occasionally diarrhea. Another disadvantage of the operation is that the bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segment of small bowel cannot be easily visualized by X-rays or endoscopy if a problem, such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy occurs. These two disadvantages do not occur in LapBand or Vertical Gastroplasty patients.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|