Weight loss procedures have been around for quite a while now and their popularity is only increasing. These procedures, especially gastric bypass surgery could prove to be a life-saving procedure for those who are morbidly obese and struggling to lead a normal life. There is another alternative to gastric bypass surgery called mini gastric bypass surgery. Let us see what is a mini bypass gastric surgery and how is it different from regular bypass surgery.
What is mini gastric bypass surgery?
Mini gastric bypass surgery is a less invasive alternative to the widely famous bariatric surgery for excess weight loss, yet it provides similar results. It is a laparoscopic procedure and varies as compared to the regular gastric bypass surgery.
The mini bypass surgery procedure
As opposed to a pouch in the standard bypass surgery, surgeons create a narrow tube when it comes to the mini bypass surgery. Next, the remaining stomach is separated with staples or stitches. The tube is then connected directly to the jejunum approximately 6-feet from the starting point. Hence, the upper portion of the small intestine is bypassed, where the body absorbs most of the nutrients from the food. When the patient consumes a meal, the food bypasses the whole stomach and reaches directly to the lower portion of the small intestine.
Benefits of the mini gastric bypass surgery
Mini gastric bypass surgery has the following benefits:
- Decreased risk of comorbidities such as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritic pain, heart problems etc.
- The procedure takes lesser time as compared to regular gastric bypass surgery taking not more than an hour
- Lower risk of post-surgery complications
- Shorter recovery period as compared to regular gastric bypass surgery
Just like any other surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with mini bypass surgery as well. However, certain risks are minimized due to laparoscopic nature of the surgery. There is a minor risk of infection, leakage between the staples. Some patients also experience dumping syndrome. Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
