Biliopancreatic diversion is a weight loss procedure that is performed to make the stomach smaller and cause a reduced absorption of calories. This procedure helps to create a metabolic effect that allows most patients to lose 75 to 80 percent of their excess weight.
The Biliopancreatic Diversion Procedure
Biliopancreatic diversion can be performed either as a laparoscopic or traditional open procedure depending on the overall health of the patient. It can be performed with or without a duodenal switch, which involves attaching the remaining portion of the stomach to the duodenum, or upper part of the small intestine. This optional part of the procedure helps to bypass even more of the intestine, allowing for the absorption of even fewer calories.
Recovery form Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic diversion require a short hospital stay and a recovery period of several weeks. Since the results of bariatric surgery are not immediate, it is important for patients to see their doctors on a regular basis after surgery to help monitor their weight loss and general health. Since biliopancreatic diversion involves both malabsorptive and restrictive techniques, it is important for the patient to take vitamin and mineral supplements after the surgery to prevent malnutrition and possible complications, such as anemia.
Risks of Biliopancreatic Diversion
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved with biliopancreatic diversion. Risks may include infection or development of a hernia at the incision site, leakage from the stomach, a blood clot in the lung or a hemorrhage.
