Bariatric surgery by laparoscopy, or laparoscopic bariatric surgery, is a stomach reduction surgery that is performed with a modern technique, less invasive and more comfortable for the patient.
In this surgery, the doctor performs the reduction of the stomach through 5 to 6 small 'holes' in the abdomen, through which he introduces the necessary instruments, including a microcamera connected to a monitor that allows the stomach to be viewed and facilitates the surgery.
In addition to being less invasive, this type of surgery also has a faster recovery time, since less time is required for wound healing to occur. Feeding continues to be done in the same way as for other classic bariatric surgeries, as it is necessary to allow the digestive system to recover.
The price of bariatric surgery by videolaparoscopy varies between 10, 000 and 30, 000 reais, but when performed by SUS it is free.
Advantages and disadvantages
The great advantage of this procedure is the recovery time, which is faster than in a classic surgery in which the doctor needs to make a cut to reach the stomach. Tissue healing occurs more quickly and the person is able to move better than in open surgery.
In addition, there is also a lower risk of infection, since the wounds are smaller and easier to care for.
As for the disadvantages, they are few, the most common being the accumulation of air inside the abdomen that can cause swelling and some discomfort. This air is usually injected by the surgeon to move the instruments and observe the site better. However, this air is reabsorbed by the body, disappearing within 3 days.
Who can do it
Bariatric surgery by laparoscopy can be done in the same case in which classic surgery is indicated. Thus, there is an indication for people with:
- BMI greater than 40 kg / m², without weight loss, even with adequate and proven nutritional monitoring; BMI greater than 35 kg / m² and presence of serious chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or very high cholesterol.
After approval for surgery, the person, together with the doctor can choose between 4 different types of surgery: gastric band; gastric bypass; duodenal deviation and vertical gastrectomy.
Watch the following video and see what situations justify performing bariatric surgery:
How is recovery
After surgery, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for at least 2 to 7 days, to assess the appearance of complications, such as infection, and for the digestive system to function again. Thus, the person should not be discharged until he starts eating and going to the bathroom.
During the first two weeks it is also important to bandage the cuts from the surgery, going to the hospital or health clinic, to ensure good healing, reduce the scar and prevent infections.
The biggest stage of recovery is food, which should be started gradually over the days, starting with a liquid diet, which then must be pasty and finally semi-solid or solid. Nutritional guidance will be initiated at the hospital, but it is important to follow up with a nutritionist, to adjust the diet plan over time and even supplement if necessary.
Learn more about how food should evolve after bariatric surgery.
Possible risks of surgery
The risks of laparoscopic bariatric surgery are the same as those of classic surgery:
- Infection of cutting sites; Bleeding, especially in the digestive system; Malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients.
These complications usually arise during the hospital stay and, therefore, are identified by the medical team. When this happens, it may be necessary to have a new surgery to try to correct the problem.
