The duodenal switch (DS) operation has the highest rate of weight loss among the various types of weight loss surgeries. DS is also associated with better type 2 diabetes resolution than other procedures.
The surgery, however, comes with a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. Single anastamosis loop duodenal switch (SADS) is a variation of the standard duodenal switch. SADS shows similarly good results with weight loss and disease resolution but with a lower risk of malnutrition.
How Does Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch Work?
SADS and DS both decrease the size of the stomach and bypass sections of the small intestine. Both surgeries use restriction and malabsorption to help patients lose weight.
The surgeries permanently remove most of the stomach. A small, tube-shaped pouch remains after the procedure. Patients feel full after consuming small amounts of food. While the stomach pouch is smaller, it functions the same as before the operation.
Both SADS and DS bypass part of the small intestine where food is absorbed. Both procedures remove that part of the stomach that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin.
How Does SADS Differ From DS?
DS requires two divisions and reconnections of the small intestine. SADS divides and reconnects the small intestine just once.
With SADS, the segment of the intestine that digests and absorbs nutrients is around 300 centimeters. With DS, that critical segment of intestine is just 75 centimeters. The longer length of intestine means patients suffer less from vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition and diarrhea.
How Much Weight Do Patients Lose After SADS?
Patients who undergo SADS may lose 70 percent of excess body weight over the long term. Weight loss is generally quickest in the first year after surgery and may continue for several years.
That rate of success is excellent, though slightly less than the 80 percent associated with DS. Bariatric surgery is considered successful when patients lose at least 50 percent the extra pounds.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Surgery?
In comparison to other weight loss surgery, SADS and DS have a predictable and successful rate of weight loss. Here are some additional benefits:
- Neither type of duodenal surgery is associated with the dumping syndrome associated with gastric bypass.
- Patients see improvement in obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and sleep apnea.
What Are Some Possible Complications?
The main complication of duodenal surgeries is the risk of malnutrition and problems with diarrhea and GERD. SADS was developed to reduce those risks.
Duodenal procedures are more complex than other surgeries. In essence, they combine elements of a gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedure. The longer and more complex a surgery, the higher the potential for complications. However, both procedures are considered safe.
Patients can reduce their risk of post-surgical complications by closely following the nutritional advice of their nutritionists. Bariatric nutritional supplements are required to avoid vitamin deficiencies.
