Bariatric surgery or Obesity surgery includes a wide range of surgical techniques aimed at the definitive treatment of the condition. Obesity is undoubtedly a scourge of the times, with ever-increasing incidence rates.
Although the causes of obesity vary, some of the more common ones include:
- the way of life
- incorrect eating habits
- the lack of physical exercise.
- people who prefer foods rich in fat or sugar,
- those who have no physical activity and sleep a few hours.
- predisposition or various coexisting diseases contribute significantly to the appearance of obesity
Obesity is now a recognized condition, which has an impact in many areas since it does not only affect the external appearance of the person but also their psychology and social life. In any case, it is a disease that needs special attention, while in the majority of cases, surgical treatment is the only way to achieve a definitive result.
Conservative Forms of Obesity Treatment
All obese people initially resort to conservative forms of treatment, with or without the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist. This requires a lifestyle change and often involves grueling diets and endless hours at the gym. Although this conservative treatment is initially necessary, usually it does not offer long-term stable results. In any case, the diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan are essential elements for the definitive treatment of the condition.
Bariatric Surgery – Treatment
Techniques Modern surgical techniques to treat obesity include:
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- Gastric plication: It is a relatively new operation to treat obesity, in which a part of the stomach is not removed. Instead, the stomach is folded, to reduce its capacity and therefore limit food intake
- Sleeve gastrectomy: This technique is performed laparoscopically or robotically, with the removal of a large part of the stomach (up to 85%) longitudinally, to limit food intake and post-operative anorexia.
- Gastric bypass: During this operation, laparoscopically or robotically, a small gastric pouch is created to receive food and the initial part of the small intestine is bypassed, to limit calorie absorption.
- Gastric bypass of an anastomosis (mini gastric bypass): is one of the most promising techniques in the treatment of obesity. With a laparoscopic or robotic approach, the gastric capacity restriction is achieved by creating an elongated gastric pouch. The small intestine is bypassed and anastomosed more distally, allowing food to enter the small intestine directly.
- Biliopancreatic diversion: This technique is classified as a purely malabsorptive type of operation. Although it is highly effective in weight loss, it carries the risk of late metabolic complications, making strict postoperative monitoring necessary.
Reoperations for bariatric surgery:
In some cases, especially when the results of a previous bariatric surgery were not satisfactory or complications arose (e.g. old placement of a gastric band), it is recommended to carry out a reoperation, based on the reasons for the failure of the first operation as well as the special characteristics of the patient.
