Gastric Bypass Malpractice

Brien Roche

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, has become a staple of the practice of many surgeons.

Gastric Bypass Malpractice

This complex surgery is generally done laparoscopically. It involves cutting into the stomach to create a smaller pouch to receive food.

Laparoscopic surgery itself refers to the intra-abdominal surgery. It is performed through ports that are inserted through the abdominal wall. This allows the placement of cameras. They provide a picture of the actual surgery. This form of surgery begins with the insertion of a needle into the abdomen. Through it carbon dioxide gas is injected in order to create a cavity. Also within that cavity a hollow metal tube is inserted. In addition inserted into that tube is a laparoscope which permits a magnified view of the cavity. The camera then projects that same view back onto video screens. As a result, they can be viewed by the surgeon. In addition, through the abdominal incisions, more hollow metal tubes may be inserted to better visualize the procedure.

Variables

There is some debate about merits of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery. There are a number of variables that may dictate whether or not laparoscopic surgery is appropriate:

the sex of the patient

the size of the patient

the clinical presentation of the patient

a history of multiple previous surgeries

a history of hernias

a history of chronic pulmonary disease

difficulty with proper positioning

obesity

thin athletic women who have never been pregnant are at a higher risk because the fibrous tissue deep within their skin is not pliable.

If a patient does have this surgery performed, then there should be a video record of the entire procedure. It is important to obtain that.

The most common injury from laparoscopic procedures is a perforated bowel.

Surgical Techniques

In the performance of gastric bypass, there are a number of different techniques that can be used. They involve re-routing the stomach contents from the newly-created pouch to the duodenum and the remainder of the small intestines. If the pouch is not properly stapled, then the contents from the stomach may leak. They leak into the abdominal area and cause severe infection. Other known complications are pulmonary embolus. Also there can be problems with having to cut through layers of fat in an obese patient.

Signs of Problems

There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of a problem following gastric bypass surgery:

Significant unexplained fever

Significant abdominal pain

Unexplained rapid heart rate

Patients seeking this type of surgery must be screened to determine that they meet the general criterion. That is being one hundred pounds over weight. In addition psychological screening is important. The patient must be equipped to deal with the dietary and other lifestyle changes. These are needed for the surgery to be successful.