What is revision surgery?
There are several reasons why a patient may need Weight Loss Conversion Surgery or Bariatric Surgery Revision, explains Dr. Jorge Maytorena.
For instance, it is possible to convert gastric band surgery to a sleeve gastrectomy due to gastric band failure to achieve the desired weight loss, or simply resulted in long-term complications. There are different specific treatment options for the patient.
Here is what you need to know about Bariatric Surgery Revision and Conversion after the initial surgery; the main reasons for a revision, and the most common procedures in case you are thinking of getting back on track
Revision vs conversion surgery: what’s the difference?
Your surgeon may recommend Revision or Conversion surgery if you did not achieve the desired weight loss goal with your bariatric procedure or led to complications. The difference is:
- A Revision is a correction of the initial bariatric procedure.
- A Conversion modifies a previous surgery into a different one.
Why have a bariatric surgery revision?
In most cases, patients develop medical complications that can only be treated by Bariatric Revision. These are related to that functional and metabolic failures. Bariatric surgery failure leads to inadequate weight loss and medical complications at the same time.
Some of these complications include:
- Gastric Ulcers
- Gastric Stenosis
- Dumping Syndrome
- Malnutrition
- Exaggerated Malabsorption
- Metabolic Bone Problems
- Severe Iron Deficiency With Anemia
- Significant Vitamin Deficiency
Common revision and conversion procedures
Gastric Bypass Revision
When a gastric bypass procedure leads to a stretching outlet over time. If your weight gain is related to an enlargement of the outlet, you may be a candidate for bariatric revision.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Revision
When the original surgery was not enough or if the stomach is enlarged again, the Sleeve can be redone. Dr. Jorge Mayotrena performs a Roux-en-Y procedure. This variation of the gastric bypass technique is the most frequently used in the United States.
Gastric Band Revision or Conversion
In these patients, complications such as band slipping and band erosion, among others, may happen. First, Dr. Maytorena evaluates the possibility of adjusting the gastric band. If not, the band is endoscopically removed. Once the band is removed, a Sleeve or Bypass Conversion can be applied.