Obesity revision surgery is a general term for re-operating on individuals who have previously undergone any form of obesity surgery but are experiencing treatment failures or health complications resulting from their initial surgeries. It is commonly performed in cases of insufficient weight loss or weight regain, and it can also be applied to address severe reflux issues that may develop post-operatively.
Who Is Eligible for Obesity Revision Surgery?
When considering revision surgery due to insufficient weight loss or weight regain, certain criteria must be met:
- Insufficient Weight Loss: Individuals who have lost less than 50% of their excess weight following their initial surgery.
- Weight Regain: Individuals who have regained more than 50% of the weight lost after their initial surgery.
Additionally, at least two years must have passed since the first surgery before a revision can be considered.
In cases of inadequate weight loss or weight regain, it is essential to evaluate not only potential technical issues from the initial surgery but also whether the individual has neglected necessary post-surgery responsibilities and reverted to behaviors that contributed to obesity. Consequently, obesity revision surgeries tend to have a lower success rate compared to the first surgery. It is important to recognize that individuals who have experienced failure with their initial surgery may be more likely to repeat similar mistakes in their revision surgery.
Types of Obesity Revision Surgeries
Currently, the most frequently performed revision surgeries are those following the placement of an adjustable gastric band (lap-band) due to insufficient treatment success. Revision surgeries can also be performed following sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgeries. The technical deficiencies in the initial surgery may necessitate correcting these errors or converting the initial surgery into a different type of obesity surgery. For example:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy Revision: An individual who has had an insufficient sleeve gastrectomy may undergo a second sleeve gastrectomy.
- Gastric Bypass Revision: A person who has regained weight despite no expansion of the stomach post-sleeve gastrectomy might be revised to a gastric bypass surgery.
Similarly, after an adjustable gastric band, a revision surgery might involve converting to a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.
Among revision surgeries, those following gastric bypass are the most technically challenging. In gastric bypass revisions, the bypassed intestinal segments can be reconnected to enhance weight loss.
Importance of Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment remains the most effective method for treating obesity and its associated conditions. As the number of surgeries increases, the need for revision surgeries also rises. Each surgical method has its own rate of failure requiring revision surgery. Reasons for revision include insufficient weight loss, weight regain, or side effects related to the surgical method.
Revision surgeries are more complex and difficult compared to initial surgeries, with a proportionally higher rate of complications. Therefore, these surgeries should be performed in centers with adequate expertise and experience.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment regarding obesity or other health concerns.
