Chapter 3 Complications of Bariatric Surgery

1. Introduction

2. Perioperative complications

2.1. The moribund patient

2.2. Cardiorespiratory complications

2.2.1. Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

2.3. Bleeding

2.4. Leakage and sepsis

2.4.1. Newer operations

2.5. Wound complications

2.6. Other rare complications

2.6.1. Mesenteric venous thrombosis

2.6.2. Rhabdomyolysis

2.6.3. Nerve injuries

3. Intermediate term complications: the first year

3.1. Small Bowel Obstruction

3.1.1. GI dysfunction

3.1.1.1. Stricture and ulcer

3.1.1.2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

3.1.1.3. Constipation and diarrhea

3.1.1.4. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia

3.2. Surgical complications specific to individual bariatric operations

3.2.1. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding – slippage and erosion

3.2.2. Malabsorptive operations (Biliopancreatic Diversion and Duodenal Switch)

4. Long term complications

4.1. Malnutrition

4.2. Revision of bariatric procedures for malnutrition

4.3. Specific nutritional deficiencies

4.3.1. Iron, vitamin B12 and folate

4.3.2. Vitamin B12 and folate

4.3.3. Calcium and vitamin D

4.3.4. Vitamin A

4.3.5. Vitamin B1

4.3.6. Rarer deficiencies: Vitamin B6, C, E, and trace elements

4.4. Weight regain

4.5. Psychiatric complications

4.6. The disappointed patient

Author details

References