Bariatric surgeries can bring a number of complications, which vary with the type of procedure:
Bypass jejunoileal:
In this type of procedure, the most common complication is cirrhosis hepatic, with hepatic insufficiency originating from malnutrition and absorption of toxins produced in the great extent of the small intestine excluded in the intestinal transit, for this reason this technique was abandoned.
Scopinaro's Biliopancreática:
The most frequent complications are diarrhea, flatulence, anemia, anastomotic mouth ulcers, bone demineralization and protein malabsorption.
Duodenal Switch:
The main complications are diarrhea, malabsorption of calcium and protein.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (BGYR):
The most common complications are: anastomoses ulcers, intestinal bleeding, duodenal gastric ulcer of the excluded segment, Roux-en-Y arm twisting, loop obstruction, stomatal stenosis and cholelithiasis.
Vertical banded gastroplasty:
In this type of procedure the rates of complications and mortality are low, but the recurrence of obesity after 10 years is high. for this reason this technique has been abandoned worldwide.
Adjustable Gastric Band (BGA):
In this procedure, the complications can be transoperatory or late. In the intraoperative period, there may be conversion to laparotomy due to viscera lesion. There may be persistent fever as an indication of early infection of the band, which may require its removal. In the first days after surgery, sliding of the band, due to rupture of tunneling points and infections, may occur. Among late complications are reflux esophagitis, frequent vomiting, megaesophagus and weight regain, which may lead some specialists and authors to restrict this modality.
Intragastric balloon:
Adverse effects may occur due to initial balloon intolerance, which may lead to nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain. Gastric ulcers and perforations can rarely occur. In isolated cases intestinal obstruction may occur, requiring surgical intervention. Neurological complications are seen as the most feared for their potential for irreversibility. The nutritional deficiencies resulting from the operation are the most important factors in its pathogenesis.
In case of doubt about bariatric surgeries, a doctor (preferably a gastro surgeon) should be consulted. He / she will be able to evaluate in detail, through anamnesis, physical examination and eventual complementary tests, what his correct diagnosis is, guide him and prescribe the best treatment.
