digital divide network - article database

For individuals struggling with obesity weight loss surgery is often the only efficient solution available. Since the long term benefits of the procedure have been widely recognized, most insurance companies cover certain types of bariatric surgery. From a financial point of view it is more profitable to pay for Bariatric surgery than to support the costs of obesity related illnesses. On the other hand patients are more concerned about achieving long term results with less invasive procedures that involve reduced risks.

What minimally invasive weight loss procedures are available?

Basically all types of Bariatric surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive manner, using laparoscopic techniques. For example gastric bypass surgery, a procedure that consists in the bypassing of a large portion of the stomach can be performed laparoscopically. Instead of one large incision the surgeon will perform several small incisions, through which a camera and tiny instruments are introduced in the abdominal cavity. Guiding the instruments with the help of a camera, the surgeon will divide the stomach in two parts, connecting the small upper pouch directly to the small intestines.

Gastric banding, another popular type of weight loss surgery is also mainly performed with laparoscopic technique. Through tiny incisions made in the abdomen the surgeon introduces the inflatable band and places it around the upper part of the stomach.

Even a procedure that is highly invasive in nature and irreversible like gastric sleeve surgery can be performed laparoscopically. Although the advantages of laparoscopic surgery are undeniable, more recent techniques provide patients with an even safer option that involves no incisions at all. Certain bariatric centers in the U.S. already offer a new procedure known as Primary Obesity Surgery, Endoluminal or POSE.

POSE is an endoscopic incisionless procedure designed to reduce the size of the stomach. A tube is introduced into the patient’s mouth and through the esophagus into the stomach. Once inside the stomach it is fixed in position and works as a stable surgical platform. Small folds are created and fixed with anchors inside the expandable portion of the stomach, to reduce its volume and the volume of food a patient can consume. The entire procedure takes up to one hour, during which the patient is under general anesthesia.

The advantages of minimally invasive procedures

As several studies have shown even a gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass, if performed laparoscopically, provides several advantages, including:

• There are fewer complications related to bleeding or infection
• Patients require shorter hospital stay
• Recovery time is considerably reduced
• The mortality rate is reduced with 50%
• The costs of the procedure are reduced

A procedure such as POSE, where no incisions are performed caries even more advantages:

• It is safe, involving fewer complications
• Leaves no visible scars
• It has a shorter recovery time
• It involves less post-operative pain
• Brings long lasting results

Patients who are considering bariatric surgery are advised to ask their surgeon about minimally invasive procedures and to inform themselves about the benefits and risks of all available options to be able to take the best decision for their health and enjoy long lasting results with minimal shock.