Robot-Assisted Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery stands as the most effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity-With approximately 1.7 billion overweight individuals globally, weight loss surgery has become an increasingly important medical solution. Patients typically lose between 50% to 70% of their excess weight within the first year following the procedure, making it a transformative option for those struggling with obesity. This complete guide explores the different types of bariatric surgery, eligibility criteria, potential risks, and expected benefits. 

Who requires the surgery?

Candidates for bariatric surgery must meet specific medical criteria established by health authorities. 

Generally, individuals qualify for bariatric surgery if they have:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• A BMI of 35-39.9 with serious obesity-related health problems 
• A BMI of 30-35 with type 2 diabetes that remains difficult to control with medical treatments and lifestyle changes
• Weight that exceeds their ideal body weight by 100 pounds (45 kg) or more 

Beyond BMI numbers, healthcare professionals evaluate several additional factors. Patients undergo comprehensive screening, including physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies, and heart & lung function assessments. Some individuals with advanced heart or lung ailments may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.

Why is Bariatric Surgery Performed?

Bariatric surgery exists primarily as a life-saving medical intervention for those whose weight threatens their health and longevity. When other methods fail, surgery becomes necessary because severe obesity is exceptionally difficult to overcome through lifestyle changes alone. The procedure offers substantial health benefits beyond weight loss. 

Bariatric surgery addresses numerous serious health conditions:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Sleep apnea
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Certain cancers (breast, endometrial, prostate)

Bariatric surgery works differently than most medical interventions. Rather than simply restricting food intake, the procedure alters hormonal signals that control hunger, satisfaction, and metabolism. Consequently, patients find it easier to lose weight as their bodies stop fighting to maintain the higher weight.

Beyond this, bariatric procedures serve as powerful tools for treating chronic disease but require commitment to lifestyle changes to be fully effective. The significant benefits explain why most patients report that choosing weight loss surgery was among their best health decisions ever made.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Surgeons perform several different bariatric procedures, each with unique benefits and considerations:

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: This procedure stands as the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. During the operation, surgeons remove approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped pouch. This smaller stomach restricts food intake while simultaneously reducing ghrelin production, the "hunger hormone." 
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This procedure creates a small egg-sized stomach pouch while rerouting the small intestine in a Y-shaped configuration. The gastric bypass works through multiple mechanisms:
  • Creates a smaller stomach pouch that holds less food
  • Bypasses part of the small intestine, reducing calorie absorption
  • Alters gut hormones to decrease hunger and increase fullness
• Other Procedures: Additional options include:
  • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS): Combines sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass, bypassing approximately 75% of the small intestine.
  • Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (SADI-S): A simplified version of BPD-DS requiring only one intestinal connection rather than two, making it technically simpler.
  • Adjustable Gastric Band: Doctors place a silicone band around the stomach's upper part, creating a small pouch. While less invasive, studies show slower and less significant weight loss than other procedures.

Risks and Complications

Every surgical procedure carries certain risks, and bariatric surgery is no exception.

Short-term risks following weight loss surgery include:

• Blood clots form in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (deep vein thrombosis) 
• Excessive bleeding requiring further treatment
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
• Infections at incision sites or inside the abdomen
• Leakage from the stomach or intestines
• Breathing problems

Long-term complications vary depending on the specific procedure but may include:

• Bowel obstruction due to scar tissue or narrowing
• Gallstones, which occur in more than one-third of patients undergoing gastric surgery
• Dumping syndrome - causing diarrhoea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting
• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies 
• Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine
• Acid reflux, particularly following sleeve gastrectomy
• Hernias at incision sites 

Women planning pregnancies should be aware that rapid weight loss can harm a developing foetus, so pregnancy should be avoided for 18 months to two years after surgery.

Patients can reduce certain risks through preventive measures.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

The transformative health outcomes of bariatric surgery extend far beyond mere weight loss.  

• Improved obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol
• Metabolic benefits, with many experiencing normalised blood glucose levels shortly after surgery
• Other health conditions that markedly improve include:
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Unhealthy cholesterol levels
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Urinary incontinence
• The psychological benefits often include better self-esteem, decreased depression and anxiety, and improved social interactions.

The comprehensive benefits of bariatric surgery explain why it's considered the most effective treatment for severe obesity when other approaches have failed. The combined improvements in physical health, emotional wellbeing, and longevity make it a potentially life-changing intervention for appropriate candidates.

Treatments & Procedures for Bariatric Surgery

The journey through bariatric surgery involves multiple stages. Initially, patients undergo comprehensive evaluations by surgeons, dietitians, and psychologists to ensure they're suitable candidates for the procedure.

Before surgery, patients complete several essential preparatory steps:

• Comprehensive blood tests, imaging studies, and organ function assessments
• Endoscopic examination of the stomach
• Psychological evaluation
• Nutritional counselling
• Smoking cessation at least one month before surgery
• Fasting from midnight before the procedure

Most weight loss surgeries today use minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches allow surgeons to operate through small incisions rather than large open cuts. These advanced methods result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer post-operative complications, and faster recovery times.

The procedure typically lasts between 2-3 hours, although family members might wait 4-5 hours before seeing the surgeon. Afterward, patients initially recover in a monitored setting where medical staff track vital signs closely.

The post-operative journey begins with a strict dietary progression:

• Week 1: Clear liquids only (water, broth, sugar-free drinks)
• Week 2: Thicker liquids (protein shakes, yoghurt, applesauce)
• Week 3: Soft, pureed foods (eggs, ground meats, cooked vegetables)
• Week 4: Gradual introduction of solid foods with continued emphasis on protein

Physical activity after surgery plays a crucial role in recovery. Patients typically begin walking within hours after surgery and gradually increase their activity levels over subsequent weeks.

Technology for Bariatric Surgery Treatment in Raipur

Modern technological advances have dramatically changed how bariatric surgery is performed in Raipur. 

• Laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques form the cornerstone of bariatric procedures in Raipur. These minimally invasive approaches allow surgeons to operate through small incisions rather than traditional large cuts. Surgeons use high-resolution cameras that provide crystal-clear views of the surgical site, enabling them to perform complex procedures with remarkable accuracy.
• Virtual reality technology has also found its way into Raipur's bariatric surgery centres. Surgeons use VR to practise complex procedures in simulated environments before performing actual surgeries. This technology sharpens their skills without risk to patients, ultimately improving surgical outcomes.
• Three-dimensional imaging gives surgeons detailed views of a patient's anatomy before they enter the operating room. This advanced mapping allows for better surgical planning and customised approaches based on individual anatomical differences.

How can CARE Hospitals help?

CARE Hospitals in Raipur stands out as a leading centre for bariatric surgery with its experienced surgical team and cutting-edge technology. The hospital has established itself as one of the finest general surgery hospitals in the region, making advanced weight loss procedures accessible and affordable to the general public.

At the core of their bariatric programme is an expert team of surgeons with decades of combined clinical and medical expertise. The hospital excels in performing numerous bariatric procedures, including:

• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Gastroplasty
• Gastric Bypass Surgery
• Gastric Band
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
• Combined malabsorptive & restrictive procedures

Given their comprehensive approach to weight loss surgery, patients experience precision-driven procedures alongside long-term wellness benefits, making CARE Hospitals an ideal choice for those seeking transformative bariatric treatment.