Revision of Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Revisional Bariatric Surgery is a second surgery performed on patients who underwent Bariatric or weight-loss surgery before but didn't experience its benefits or are facing complications due to it. For example, if you've had previous bariatric surgery and have not been successful with your weight loss, revising that and doing a second surgery would be a revision. Or, if you've had previous bariatric surgery and are having complications, revisional surgery is a second surgery to fix those complications. The complications include stomach pains, discomfort while eating or sleeping, and regain of the weight lost as a result of the Bariatric Surgery procedure.

Complications of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

• It can cause gastric erosion. The exact mechanism of this erosion is unknown, but its risk prevails as long as the banding device is in place. To fix this complication, revisional surgery aims to remove the band erosion and convert it into a different, more effective procedure with fewer complications.
• Slippage or prolapse of the gastric band can occur secondary to a stomach portion herniating under the band. This may dilate the stomach pouch, leading to decreased weight loss, weight regains, and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The acid present in the esophagus can lead to esophageal erosion, Barett's esophagus, and several other complications. While GERD is a common condition in morbidly obese patients, the Laparoscopic Banding procedure increases its risk even further. The gastric band needs to be inflated to treat this condition, and some medications need to be prescribed. If the condition still persists, revision surgery for band removal or band repositioning needs to be performed.
• If there is ineffective weight loss or weight regain, revisional surgery needs to be performed to achieve better long-term weight-loss results.

Complications of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Although it is very rare, a leak can occur at the stapled anastomosis site, leading to severe infection. The source of this leak is controlled by percutaneous, endoscopic, or surgically placed drains. If the patient is hemodynamically unstable because of the leak, surgical exploration of the site aimed at an attempt to suture any discontinuities should be done.
• Bleeding from the suture site can occur in the acute postoperative period.
• GERD can occur as a complication of Sleeve Gastrectomy as well.
• Weight regain/ Ineffective weight-loss.

Complications of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

• Anastomotic Leak: Like in Sleeve Gastrectomy, a leak can occur at the anastomotic site.
• Internal hernia or obstruction can occur.
• Bleeding due to discontinuity of the sutures.
• Marginal ulceration.
• Malnutrition: The first part of the intestine, the duodenum, is the major site of absorption of nutrients. As it is bypassed, malnutrition is likely to occur as a complication.
• Weight gain/ effective weight loss: Like all other bariatric procedures, weight gain or ineffective weight loss might occur after Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass if the patient does not modify his lifestyle after the operation. In such cases, a second bariatric procedure may be needed.

As revisional surgery is a second surgery, it becomes much more complicated and challenging to do because of previous scar tissue and incisions. However, we welcome such patients to our hospital. We understand that people have moved, and they need follow-up and help. Whether it is just for a routine check-up and yearly follow-up, or whether they are having some difficulties or are struggling, we are available to help them with the best bariatric surgery care in Navi Mumbai. We assess the patient's medical history very carefully and evaluate the causes and outcomes of revisional bariatric surgery to find out why the previous surgery failed. After troubleshooting the problem, we formulate a new plan that is best suitable to the patient.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai boasts a team of expert and certified bariatric surgeons who prioritize the safety of their patients above everything else. While delivering our services, we take care of all the aspects related to the patient's health, not just his weight. We understand that these patients are generally nervous and apprehensive due to the complications. Therefore, our bariatric surgery team aims at not only surgically fixing the complications but also providing mental support to help them deal with anxiety and depression, if any. When a patient comes to us, we make sure that we do absolutely the best job fixing the complications; there is no compromise with patient safety.