Regain Success – Not the Weight
A new surgical tool now allows surgeons to reduce the size of the stomach pouch and stoma through the patient’s mouth without making external cuts into the body. Before the ROSE incisionless procedure, patients who regained weight after gastric bypass generally had few treatment options. Scarring and adhesions related to the initial bypass make open or laparoscopic revision surgery very challenging.
The ROSE procedure is performed using a four-channel tube and special incisionless surgery tools. The surgeon advances a flexible tube and a small endoscope through the patient’s mouth, into the stomach pouch. The surgeon will then insert the surgical tools through the channels of the tube. Tissue anchors are used to create multiple tissue folds around the stoma reducing the diameter. The surgeon will then use the same technique to place anchors in the stomach pouch to reduce its volume.
FAQ’s
Why would I gain weight after gastric bypass?
Studies suggest that patients regain weight due to the gradual enlargement of the surgically altered stomach pouch and stoma. In the original procedure, surgeons make the passage between the stomach pouch and stoma very small, which slows the passage of food and creates a feeling of fullness just after a small volume of food is eaten. If the stomach pouch and stoma enlarge, it is believed that the feeling of fullness is no longer present allowing the patient to eat larger meals and causing weight regain.
How do I find out if I’m a candidate for the ROSE procedure?
Patients who had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass more than 2 years ago, lost over 50% of their excess body weight and have now regained 15% or more of that weight are ideal candidates for the procedure.
After initial screening, you will undergo a series of evaluations including nutritional and dietary counseling, full medical exam and endoscopy to determine if you are a good candidate.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
Typically, patients stay less than 23 hours. Your surgeon will make the determination following your procedure.
What is the recovery process?
Typically patients return to normal activity within a few days of their procedure. You will be required to follow specific post-procedure dietary instructions as well as an exercise plan. The post-operative plan is similar to that which followed your initial gastric bypass.
What type of side effects can I expect?
It is anticipated that patients will feel little or no discomfort from the procedure. The most common reported side effect includes short term sore throat.
Is it safe?
As with any surgery, there is risk involved. This less invasive approach should reduce the likelihood of many the many complications associated with the open or laparoscopic revisional surgery.