What Are the Risks or Complications Associated with Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Open Gastric Bypass is performed through a larger incision and abdominal wall retractors to create space to work. By reducing the size of the surgical incision and the trauma associated with the operative exposure, the surgical insult has been shown to be much less after laparoscopic surgery compared to open Gastric Bypass. A limitation of the laparoscopic approach is the steep learning curve of this technically challenging procedure for the surgeon. Risks and complications are much reduced if operated by a surgeon specialized in this laparoscopic surgery technique. 4 Up to 5 percent of patients undergoing open gastric bypass may experience leaking, bleeding, wound infection or blockage in an artery in the lungs. In both cases, because a portion of the digestive tract is bypassed, the absorption of essential nutrients is reduced and medical complications can result.
