The Duodenal Switch
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (DS) is a type of weight loss surgery that is highly effective.
How is this procedure performed?
The DS is performed using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. During this procedure, a part of your stomach is removed to form a sleeve gastrectomy. Then, the first part of the small bowel (duodenum) is connected to the last 250cm of the small bowel, bypassing around two-thirds of the total length of the small bowel. The bowel containing the bile and pancreatic fluid is then connected to the last 100cm of the small bowel. This reduces the amount of food you can eat and the absorption of fat, proteins, and calories.
Advantages:
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (DS) is known for its high success rate in weight loss.
- Patients typically lose around 85-100% of excess weight and have a low risk of long-term weight regain.
- The procedure also offers excellent chances of improvement or resolution of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemias, fatty liver disease, and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
Considerations:
While Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (DS) has a high success rate, it does come with some risks.
- The most significant risk is the long-term metabolic complications that can arise due to the significant reduction in nutrient absorption. Patients must closely follow vitamin supplementation and dietary advice as there is a higher long-term risk of vitamin and protein deficiencies with this procedure.
- Surgical Expertise: the duodenal switch is a technical challenging procedure, with a longer operating time than other procedures. It is essential to have an experienced bariatric surgeon who is skilled in performing the surgery safely and effectively.
- Due to reduced absorption of fat, some patients can have loose and/or more frequent bowel motions, particularly after rich or oily food.
- Potential risks: DS carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, and blood clots. These risks will be discussed with you by Dr. Jason Robertson and our team.
- Commitment to a healthy lifestyle: Long-term success with DS requires a commitment to a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain weight loss and overall health.
- Follow-up care: The DS requires ongoing follow-up care, including regular check-ups, vitamin supplementation and monitoring of nutritional status and overall well-being.