Gastric Bypass Revision Without Incisions
The FDA recently approved a revolutionary new weight loss procedure called a StomaphyX. It was originally developed to ‘fix’ an enlarged stoma (the opening between the stomach and the small intestines) or reduce the size of a stomach pouch that has expanded since it was created during prior weight loss surgery. The procedure can also be used as a standalone weight loss procedure for people seeking a safer, less aggressive weight loss surgery.
StomaphyX is appropriate for individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery in the past and who are now regaining weight and for people who want an alternative to invasive weight loss surgery.
By using endoscopes, surgeons can access the interior of the body through the mouth or other body orifice and avoid making incisions in the body wall. Thus, incision-less surgery prevents scars and also eliminates other complications that can occur when the skin and muscle walls are cut.
The StomaphyX procedure is performed through the mouth. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon guides an endoscope through the patient’s mouth down the esophagus and into the stomach. Once in the stomach, the surgeons can use a surgical staple apparatus, incorporated into the endoscope, to reduce the size of the existing stomach pouch, minimize the opening between the stomach pouch and the small intestines, or create a pouch similar to the one achieved with Lap-Band surgery by stapling the stomach tissue in a specific pattern. A small, tight stomach pouch or a narrower stoma both effectively slow down the passage of food through the stomach pouch. This enables you to feel full faster, eat less, and ultimately lose weight.
An endoscope is a thin, flexible, lighted tube usually equipped with a camera that sends images of the operative field to a nearby video screen.
The benefits of StomaphyX incisionless surgery are many. There are no incisions and the risks and potential complications associated with healing wounds are eliminated. The surgery is less complicated because the surgeon doesn’t have to be concerned about internal scar tissue or adhesions from prior surgeries interfering with the procedure. Patients experience much less post-procedural pain and rarely need to be hospitalized at all-saving time and money over other weight loss surgery techniques. Like the LapBand, the StomaphyX procedure is reversible and adjustable, and for many patients, there is virtually no recovery time. In fact, some people are able to return to work the same day.
Bariatric surgery remains the best way to help very heavy individuals lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off in the long term. This type of substantial weight loss greatly improves their health, extends their life expectancy, and improves their overall quality of life. The lower cost and higher safety profile of the StomaphyX procedure puts weight loss surgery within the reach of more people. A qualified bariatric surgeon can help you determine if the StomaphyX procedure is right for you.