What s the difference between distal, medial and proximal procedures?
Let’s assume that we all start with 300″ of (small) intestine. We don’t, but we need to have a figure, so that’s it. If you’ve seen pix you’ve seen of RNY/gastric bypass, you know there is a left side, right side and tail of the Y. The “junction” of the sides is the determiner if a procedure is proximal or distal. The original intestine comes out of the old stomach and carries the digestive juices that are manufactured in the old stomach. This piece is called the bileo-pancreatic limb because it carries bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic juice from the pancreas. There is no food here. This is the LEFT side of the Y. This is the portion that is bypassed. The alimentary limb connects to the pouch and only carries food, but cannot digest or absorb. This is the RIGHT side of the Y. The tail of the Y is where both elements mix together and where digestion (if any) and whatever absorption will occur. This is the part that is still in use and is also referred to as the common channel. I
