Bilio-Pancreatic Diversion
The first stage of a bilio-pancreatic bypass consists in a 50 to 60% resection of the stomach to help reduce acidity, but, unlike the other surgeries, restriction is not the primary objective. Being a more severe hypoabsorptive surgery, the bile and pancreatic secretions will also be bypassed. An intestinal reconstruction will ensure that the bilio-pancreatic secretions and the food will meet at the level of the terminal portion of the small intestine, which will cause very little reabsorption of the ingested food.
People will still be able to eat adequately and almost normally. This severe hypoabsorption will result in semi-liquid, foul-smelling stools, about three to four times a day, which is secondary to the presence of poorly digested food.
The surgery will take approximately 2 and half hours.
This is surgery that is performed by laparoscopy (5 or 6 small 1 to 3 cm incisions in the abdomen).
The usual length of hospital stay after surgery is between 24 and 48 hours depending on the health condition.
Main side effects and risks
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Nausea and vomiting
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Blockage when eating
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Fatigue and lack of energy
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Diarrhea
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Gas and bloating
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Digestive difficulties
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Vitamin deficiency and malnutrition
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Bleeding
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Thrombophlebitis (clot in the legs)
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Wound infection
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Leakage at the intestinal connection level
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Internal and abdominal hernia
Complications are rare. To decrease the risk of complications and side effects, it is important to follow the indications and recommendations. It is strongly recommended that you do not smoke, do not drink while eating, limit alcohol consumption and significantly reduce your sugary food intake. Surgery is an effective tool that allows you to lose, on average, 50-60% of excess weight. It will help improve or eliminate many associated health problems (diabetes, hypertension, etc.). You will have better results if this is combined with good eating habits and a varied physical activities program. Taking vitamins and supplements will be necessary after surgery to prevent certain nutritional deficiencies.
As certain foods will be eliminated too quickly, there are several minerals that will be poorly absorbed such as iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D. For this reason, a daily intake of vitamin supplements will be necessary on a permanent basis.
