Bariatric surgery, a collection of weight-loss procedures aimed at altering the digestive system to help patients lose weight, has long been a subject of both hope and concern. Over the past few decades, these surgical interventions have become increasingly popular in people struggling with severe obesity and related health risks, such as diabetes. At one time, the risks associated with bariatric surgery were pretty serious. But advancements in medical and surgical technique, along with vastly improved post-operative care, have dramatically reduced these risks over time. What’s more, the health benefits that come with reducing both obesity and diabetes through bariatric surgery have become more evident, clarifying the truly life-changing results of these procedures. Today, bariatric surgery is actually considered one the most powerful risk-reduction tools in medicine (more on that below). First, let’s talk about the risks of bariatric surgery, based on the data.
Bariatric Surgery Risks
Sleeve gastrectomy, the most common procedure today, has very low risks of serious events such as leaks or hemorrhage, rare vitamin or nutritional consequences, and is increasingly moving the outpatient or same-day arena because of its highly safe profile. But it does lead to acid reflux and indigestion in a portion of individuals over time.
Gastric bypass and duodenal switch are more traditional bypass procedures of the intestine, and so there are possibilities of blockages or reduced absorption of nutrients that may require treatment. Stomach ulcer can be a serious complication if a person uses tobacco, alcohol, or NSAID medications like ibuprofen.
Historical Risks of Bariatric Surgery
Today, sleeve gastrectomy is an extremely safe, 30-minute procedure. But like with other pioneering surgical techniques, in the early days of bariatric surgery, the procedures carried substantial risks. Complications such as infections, blood clots, leaks in the gastrointestinal system, and nutritional deficiencies were not uncommon. Mortality rates were also higher, partly due to the invasive nature of early surgical techniques, the high-risk patients, and the lack of comprehensive perioperative care protocols. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2004 reported a 30-day mortality rate of 0.5% for gastric bypass surgery, which, while seemingly low, has fallen more than five-fold in the years since.
Technological and Procedural Advancements
Bariatric surgery has come a long way since those early days. Advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques known as laparoscopic surgery have played a crucial role in reducing risks. Laparoscopic surgery involves smaller keyhole incisions, which lead to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recoveries. A 2010 study published in the Annals of Surgery demonstrated that laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery had a complication rate of 7%, compared to 14.5% for open surgery.
It’s not just the surgical techniques that have improved. Patients today receive better preoperative care. Comprehensive patient evaluations now ensure that candidates for bariatric surgery are better prepared based on their overall health and likelihood of surgical success. Plus, postoperative care, including early correction of complications, nutritional counseling and regular follow-ups, has also improved, which also reduces the risks of complications.
Falling Risks Over Time
The effect of these advancements is clear in the data. According to a study published in JAMA Surgery in 2018, the 30-day mortality rate for bariatric surgery had fallen to approximately 0.1%, a fivefold decrease from the early 2000s. Since then, major databases have reported mortality risks of around 1 per 1,000 cases, which is on par or safer than routine procedures like gallbladder, Cesarean section, and hysterectomy. Complication rates have also dropped significantly, with many centers reporting rates of serious complications below 5%. These improvements underscore the progress made in making bariatric surgery a safer option for individuals with severe obesity.
Health Benefits of Obesity and Diabetes Reduction
The reduction in surgical risks is important, and so are the substantial health benefits that bariatric surgery offers. Obesity is a major risk factor for a plethora of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. By facilitating significant and sustained weight loss, bariatric surgery addresses the root cause of these conditions.
One of the most remarkable benefits of bariatric surgery is its impact on type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that bariatric surgery leads to remission of diabetes in a significant proportion of patients. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2012 found that 75% of patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced diabetes remission within two years. This profound effect is largely attributed to the changes in gut hormones and insulin sensitivity that result from the surgery, in addition to the weight loss itself.
Beyond diabetes, the reduction in obesity achieved through bariatric surgery leads to improvements in various obesity-related conditions. Patients often see reductions in blood pressure, improvements in lipid profiles, and a decreased need for medications. Quality of life and psychological well-being also tend to improve, as patients gain mobility, reduce pain, and experience better overall health. Overall, people live longer, healthier lives because of weight-loss surgery.
The Bottom Line
Bariatric surgery has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Once associated with significant risks and complications, it has become a much safer and more effective intervention for severe obesity and related conditions. And let’s not overlook the profound health benefits of obesity and diabetes reduction, which highlight the importance of considering bariatric surgery as a life-saving and life-enhancing option for those struggling with severe obesity. As the data continues to demonstrate falling risks and increasing benefits, bariatric surgery stands out as a critical tool in the fight against obesity and its myriad health consequences.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of bariatric surgery and whether you might be a candidate, contact the team at Nevada Surgical today. We’re happy to answer your questions.
