Complications & Dangers of Biliopancreatic Diversion

With all surgery you will be at some risk of experiencing complications and dangers, however you will have very specific assistance which will help reduce any of these complications and dangers occurring. In any sense it is best that you familiarise yourself with what may occur, this will hopefully help you to deal with any complications and dangers effectively and as rapidly as possible. This type of surgery is considered one of the most effective of all the weight loss procedures, however it is also considered one of the most complex.  As a part of your stomach is removed your body will find it some work to adapt, therefore your surgeon and specialist team will work with you in all ways possible to reduce any risk of complications occurring, however sometimes it is beyond the power of others.

Medical Complications

You may experience post-operation complications as your body adapts to the changes, you may experience internal leaking from the stomach or intestine, if this complication occurs it can cause infection therefore repeat surgery will be necessary, this will of course increase the duration of your hospital stay if it is required. Due to the type of surgery this is on several occasions patients have required additional surgery to correct any complications which have occurred, this can be due to your body not adapting to the change in its digestive system, if you are considering private health care you will need to research into what aftercare packages you are offered, as a certain amount of corrective surgery can become expensive if you are not covered. You may due to surgery lose an adequate amount of blood, prior to surgery you will need to sign to allow a blood transfusion to go ahead if this occurs, and there is a low risk of the spread of disease through a blood transfusion which could cause a complication. You may also develop Kidney stones after the operation, as well as ulcers and blood clots these are all complications which can be treated.


Severe Complications

1 in every 200 patients who have undergone biliopancreatic diversion surgery have died within 30 days post-operation. You may experience complications with reactions to medication used, or the anaesthesia, again it is important that you provide the team assisting with your surgery, with as much background information on your family’s medical history as possible.  You may experience damage to other organs near to your stomach or small intestine due to surgical procedures, 

Treatment

Most of the complications that are associated with this type of surgery are able to be treated, be it through corrective surgery or medication. There is a low risk of death from the procedure, however it has occurred in the past, again it is necessary to reiterate that you familiarise yourself with any symptoms of the complications which may occur, so you can as quickly as possible deal with them.

Pain from Biliopancreatic Diversion

With all types of surgery you are likely to experience a certain level of pain, whether it is due to the surgery or a reaction you may have, it is best to ensure you understand what may occur so that you can point out anything which you feel is uncommon. Therefore familiarise yourself with anything that you may experience, and prepare yourself for dealing with the pain, so that you can deal with it effectively.

What Types of Pain May I Experience?

You may experience pain related to your surgical wounds, which may be bruised, painful and may have some swelling, these wounds of course will heal in time, but you will need to ensure that no excess strain is put on the wounds and that you take care of them and ensure that they heal correctly to reduce the risk of infection. You will of course be given guidance on this matter from specialist nurses, and the wounds will be checked to ensure the risk of infection is low. You may also experience slight stomach cramping and pain caused by your abdomen adapting to the change in its digestive system, any pain you experience directly after the surgery and during your stay in hospital will of course be dealt with quickly and efficiently, and you will be prescribed any pain relief deemed necessary for you to cope. Usually the pain experienced will be tolerable, if you experience anything which you cannot tolerate you should immediately speak to the specialist team around you.

What is expected after the Surgery?

Due to being under anaesthetic during surgery you may experience some dizziness and nausea whilst awaking after the Biliopancreatic Diversion operation. This is perfectly normal and will disappear once the anaesthesia wears off. You may also experience nausea and diarrhoea caused by the change in diet this is not necessarily the cause of any pain but it can be very uncomfortable for any patient to deal with, the specialist team will assist with this if you do experience any problems. You will be discharged from hospital between 2 and 4 days after the procedure, obviously if there are any complications with the procedure your stay will be extended.  To ensure you do not experience any pain at home you will need to strictly follow the diet and advice provide for you by the specialist team, this is up to you and this will minimise any risk of complication as well as reducing any pain you may experience. You will be able to take over the counter medicine if you do experience any pain after you are discharged.

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