Robotics Obesity Surgery is a particularly good option for bariatric patients who choose the gastric bypass procedure. Robotic surgery isn’t commonly available yet, but certainly considered a new technology on the rise.

Robotics is a cutting-edge method of performing surgery using only a few small incisions, or keyholes similar to that used in laparoscopic cases, as ports for instruments that allow access to the heart, lungs and abdomen, while at the same time fine-tuning the technical skills of the surgeon. This surgery is performed in a three dimensional image compared to the two dimensions of laparoscopic surgery. Robotic instrumentation works by mimicking the motions and movements of the surgeons’ hands and fingers. This provides an added element of dexterity for the surgeon. Furthermore, the da Vinci’s wrist action capabilities allow the surgeon to get around corners and in tight spaces for improved precision.

When performing a gastric bypass procedure, the most complicated and important part of the obesity surgery is creating the connection between the stomach and small bowel after creating the gastric pouch. The most common approaches in connecting them are to either staple or to hand sew them together, but the best results to date and the least complications have been demonstrated with the sewing approach. The robot makes hand sewing much easier by increasing the dexterity, precision and vision of the surgeon in the tight space. More and more studies are now showing that not only in bariatrics but also in other surgical specialties complication rates are less in the robotic assisted approach when compared to the standard laparoscopic approaches.

Overweight people who have tried diets and exercise but have not achieved lasting weight loss may be candidates for obesity surgery. Obesity surgery has helped thousands of people in America or abroad lose weight, improve their appearance and improve their health. Weight loss surgery may not be for you. Also this option is currently only available for obese persons. But there are New Trends in Obesity Surgery! We describe them all here at “New Obesity Surgery” Blog!

Patients considering obesity surgery need to have realistic weight loss expectations. Patients also need to make changes to the diet after undergoing obesity surgery.

Bariatric surgical procedures can be divided into three kinds:
1. Restrictive procedures decrease food intake and promote a feeling of fullness after meals. Examples are Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lapband) or Gastroplasty (reduction of the stomach).
2. Malabsorptive procedures reduce the absorption of calories, proteins and other nutrients. Examples are the Biliopancreatic Diversion or the Duodenal Switch. Both are rarely used.
3. A combination of both restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. Examples are the Mini Gastric Bypass, Proximal Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and the Distal Roux-enY Gastric Bypass.

Almost all above described obesity surgery procedures have resulted in consistent short-term weight loss. Unfortunately there is no perfect operation. The remarkable drive for the obese patient to regain weight cannot be eliminated in all patients. Furthermore, the history of weight loss surgery repeats itself with procedures that seemed initially to be very promising and safe in theory, but which were later found to be failures. As such, newer procedures should always be viewed with caution.

The Proximal Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP) has been the most commonly used procedure in USA. The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass outnumbers all other procedures and results and count almost for 80% of all bariatric surgeries performed worldwide.

A new restrictive procedure is being clinical tested. The Intragastric Balloon is a silicone prosthesis of spherical format and has a smooth surface. It is introduced into the patient’s stomach by an endoscopic procedure. In general there is no need for hospitalization.

It is important to gather further information about weight loss surgery by consulting an experienced and knowledgeable bariatric surgeon or even just an expert family physician who knows the ins and outs of weight loss surgery. In addition, the patient should also consult the other health experts such as the psychiatrist and dietician with regards to some psychological advices on long-term goals after the operation. Bariatric surgeons do normally have those experts within their staff.