Risks of biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch

In the hands of an experienced surgeon this procedure is both safe and effective and is the best when it comes to weight loss. However, it is not without risks which are higher for this procedure than the other types of surgery.

There are short and long terms risks as there are with any form of surgery.

The short term risks are:

  • Ulcers
  • Bleeding
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
  • Blockage: swelling of the intestine and stomach which causes difficulty in swallowing.
  • Infection
  • Leakage
  • Death (accounts for 1 in 100 cases)

The long term risks are:

  • Malnutrition. Protein intake will need to be doubled in order to prevent this along with a daily nutritional supplement. You will need to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that you do not develop, or at risk of developing a vitamin deficiency.
  • Anaemia (malabsorption problem)
  • Osteoporosis (malabsorption problem)
  • Chronic diarrhoea and flatulence.
  • Bloating and stomach cramps.
Risk of adhesions (internal scarring) and hernia.

Biliopancreatic diversions guide sections

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