Roux-en Y surgery (RNY) – or simple “gastric bypass surgery” as it’s commonly known – has been a hit with those seeking a permanent solution to their weight problems since it was first introduced more than 40 years ago.
But RNY surgery also has a few drawbacks that have got the attention of the bariatric community. In an effort to address these issues a refinement of RNY surgery was introduced that has become known as “mini gastric bypass surgery” and in this article we’ll be looking at mini gastric bypass surgery pros and cons.
A Quick Look at Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Pros and Cons
Mini gastric bypass surgery has had a long road to acceptance primarily because it has had to contend with the already established and popular RNY surgery. If you are undecided about which procedure might be right for you take a look at these mini gastric bypass surgery pros and cons.
Pros:
- It’s less invasive – With mini gastric bypass there are typically fewer incisions because there is less internal manipulation required. Fewer incisions means less chance of infection.
- It’s faster than RNY – A typical RNY procedure can take up to 2 hours whereas a mini gastric bypass is usually completed with an hour.
- There is less rerouting of the small intestine – In RNY surgery the small intestine is completely severed before being reattached to the new stomach pouch. With mini gastric surgery the new pouch is simply joined to the side of the intestine.
- Shorter recovery times – Because there are fewer incisions and less manipulation of the small intestine recovery time is typically shorter than that for standard RNY surgery.
- Fewer long term complications – While the complication rate for RNY surgery is low and the success rate excellent mini bypass surgery yields even fewer long term complications.
Cons:
- Chance of dumping syndrome – This phenomenon occurs when foods moves too quickly through the stomach into the intestines. Diarrhoea, dizziness and nausea typically occur.
- Chance or reflux gastritis – This condition occurs when bile backs up into the stomach and oesophagus.
- Potential for infection – While the risk of infection is usually lower than with RNY surgery it does exist and patients need to be aware of that.
- Other complications – Hernias at the surgical site cannot be ruled out, nor can potential leakage from poorly seated staples although both are extremely rare.
As the above mini gastric bypass surgery pros and cons demonstrate this type of bariatric procedure has proven itself a capable alternative to standard RNY surgery. The Internet is also brimming with mini gastric bypass surgery reviews that back up the notion of its effectiveness. If you would like to know more about this safe and affordable alternative to RNY surgery contact Weight Loss Riga by filling out the enquiry form on our website or calling our UK patient coordinator.
