Revisional bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that is performed on patients who have already undergone primary bariatric surgery but have experienced complications or insufficient weight loss. The goal of revisional surgery is to correct these issues and help the patient achieve their weight loss goals.
There are several types of revisional bariatric surgery, including:
- Conversion to another procedure: If the patient's initial surgery did not provide the desired weight loss or caused complications, their surgeon may recommend converting to a different bariatric For example, a patient who had gastric banding may undergo a conversion to gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
- Repair or revision of the initial procedure: If the initial surgery caused complications or failed to provide sufficient weight loss, the surgeon may perform a revision to repair or modify the original Both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass can be revised.
- Endoscopic procedures: Endoscopic procedures can be used to treat some complications of bariatric surgery, such as leaks, strictures, and ulcers. These procedures involve using a small, flexible tube with a camera and instruments to access the stomach through the mouth and make repairs.
- Reversed surgeries: This involves reversing a previous weight loss For example, a patient may have their gastric band removed.
There are several reasons why a patient may require revisional bariatric surgery including:
- Weight regain
- Inadequate weight loss
- Complications: including hernias, fistula, stricture, and band prolapse.
Risks and benefits of revisional surgery:
As with any surgery, there are risks and benefits associated with revisional bariatric surgery.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved weight loss.
- Resolving complications leads to an improved quality of life.
- Improved health Patients experience improvement or resolution of comorbidities such as Diabetes, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea.
Potential risks include:
- Complications such as infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
- Longer operative and recovery time.
Dr. Vohra's assessment for revisional bariatric surgery includes:
- Detailed history and physical examination
- Diagnostic tests including imaging, laboratory testing, and endoscopy.
- Psychological evaluation
- Nutritional assessment
- Evaluation of previous surgery
- Cardiac and pulmonary evaluation
Based on the results of this assessment, Dr. Vohra will determine patients' eligibility for revisional surgery and recommend the appropriate procedure. He will discuss potential risks and benefits and help you make an informed decision.
Dr. Rajeev Vohra is a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He specializes in laparoscopic and bariatric procedures and has successfully performed more than 10,000 surgeries over his 30+ year career. Dr. Vohra has dedicated his career to providing patients in New York with the highest quality and most compassionate care.
