Duodenal switch surgery combines food intake restriction with
reduced calorie absorption, resulting in higher weight loss. It also has a 98%
“cure” rate for type 2 diabetes.
The
procedure is quite complex and involves reducing the size of the stomach,
removing the gallbladder and rerouting the intestines – 4 steps in all:
1. Around 70% of the left side of the stomach is removed
creating a cylindrical-shaped pouch that connects the esophagus to the small
intestine.
2. The top of the small intestine is then cut, leaving part
of the duodenum (where most of the body’s chemical digestion takes place)
attached to the stomach and removing the gallbladder.
3. Next, the lower part of the small intestine is cut
approximately 1 meter from where it connects to the large intestine. The
duodenum is then attached to the part that is still connected to the large
intestine.
4. Finally, the end of the loose part of the small
intestine is attached to the part of the small intestine that connects the
duodenum to the large intestine. This lets the gastric juices mix with the food
from the stomach in the last section of the small intestine.
This procedure may be performed as open surgery or laparoscopically.
After surgery, patients will, need to take vitamin supplements for the rest of
their lives.