Duodenal Switch

Duodenal switch is a weight loss surgery developed for the treatment of patients with severe obesity.

The procedure combines gastric sleeve surgery with intestinal bypass. The duodenal switch is quite complex but also the most effective field of bariatric surgery. It is especially useful for preventing Type-2 diabetes.

Duodenal Switch: Procedure

Duodenal switch surgery can be performed conventionally with open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. The laparoscopic method is performed with small “keyhole” incisions instead of opening the patient's abdominal cavity. Mini tools are used in this process, so it is minimally invasive. Surgeons often prefer to use minimally invasive surgical methods whenever possible. However, some patients may need open surgery. Sometimes, a surgery that begins laparoscopically can turn into an open surgery when needed.

Duodenal switch is a two-step surgery that starts with sleeve gastrectomy. In some cases, only sleeve gastrectomy surgery is performed. However, if this surgery is performed within the duodenal switch, the surgeon can remove approximately 70% of the stomach. The next step in the process is the intestinal bypass. This procedure can be applied within the same surgery or as a second surgery after a while. Depending on the patient's health condition, the surgeon may recommend two separate surgeries if she/he decides that it is safer.

The duodenal switch includes two methods. These are the biliopancreatic diversion and the modified duodenal switch. The difference is the intestinal bypass performed in the second part of the surgery. Both methods begin by dividing the small intestine upward from the part called the "duodenum". Next, the lower part of the small intestine is attached up. The duodenum is joined to the lower part of your small intestine in this way.

Duodenal Switch: Post-operative Care

After duodenal switch surgery, a few days can be spent in the hospital under medical observation. Afterward, the patient should spend a few more weeks resting at home before returning to daily life and work. Major changes can occur during recovery, including rapid weight loss. In addition, the patient is given a diet list that she/he must follow while eating and drinking. This is to allow time for the digestive system to heal and adapt to new changes.