Bariatric Surgery
Mini Gastric Bypass
The Mini Gastric Bypass is a type of bypass procedure. It is also known as Omega Loop Bypass or OAGB (One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass). It is a laparoscopic (key-hole) procedure that diverts ingested food to bypass the stomach and a portion of the intestine. Thereafter absorption of food only takes place in the remaining portion of the intestine.
It is performed under general anaesthesia through 5 small incisions on the abdomen. After the patient is asleep, a calibration tube is carefully passed into the stomach and a long pouch is created from the stomach by using a medical staple device. This step reduces the stomach volume to about 100ml. Then, a loop of small intestine is joined to the stomach pouch at a pre-selected distance, between 150–200cm from the stomach. The join is inspected carefully and reinforced to ensure perfect healing. Finally, all the skin incisions are closed with dissolving stitches.
This procedure takes about an hour to complete.
Advantages of Mini Gastric Bypass
- A reversible bariatric procedure
- A simpler bypass procedure with similar if not superior weight loss results
- A comparatively shorter operation, therefore a shorter time under anaesthesia
- An extremely low risk of twisting of intestine causing obstruction (Internal hernia)
Disadvantages of Mini Gastric Bypass
- Bile reflux, an uncommon problem but generally well tolerated even if it occurs
- Ulcer at the join (marginal ulcer), if patients smoke or use certain anti-inflammatory medicines
Sunnybank Private Hospital
Suite 30, Level 2, Sunnybank Specialist Centre
245 McCullough Street, Sunnybank QLD4109
Phone: 07 3518 8626 Fax: 07 3319 6658