Duodenal Switch Surgery

Duodenal switch surgery also known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) or vertical sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch is a complex form of weight loss surgery but at the same time it is quite effective for morbid obesity. Duodenal switch surgery is mostly performed as the revision surgery after failure of first surgery or if patient is not satisfied with the weight loss results owing to the preliminary surgery. Duodenal switch after lap band surgery is one of them.

Lap band surgery is a laparoscopic adjustable band surgery for weight loss. Many patients prefer lap band surgery due to its least invasive procedure and quick recovery. In lap band surgery, surgeon place a silicon band around the upper portion of the stomach. This results into the formation of small pouch and a narrow passage into rest of the stomach. The band is inflated and deflated with the saline through the access port placed underneath the skin. This limits the amount of food intake and make patient to feel full for the extended time period and aids in quick weight loss. Usually, patient lose about 40% of their excess weight after first year and about 55% of excess weight in the second year.

However, sometime patients are not satisfied with their weight loss results and such that they prefer to go for duodenal switch after lap band surgery for attaining long-term weight loss. After this second surgery, patients are reported to have significant weight loss over 12 to 13 months. This laparoscopic adjustable band revision surgery with duodenal switch yields satisfactory results without any complications.

It is estimated that about 2-5% of duodenal surgery patients are duodenal switch revision patients. Thus, duodenal switch after lap band surgery is an effective option for patients who are not satisfied with their weight loss results.