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Bowel Habits Post-Op

Clinical data addressing bowel habits post-op.

 

Gastric Emptying and Postprandial PYY Response After Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch. 
Hedberg et al. Sept 2010
PubMed Abstract

BACKGROUND: Super-obesity (BMI>50) is increasing rapidly. We use the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) as one option in this patient category. The aim of the present study was to investigate the emptying of the gastric tube, PYY levels and dumping symptoms after BPD-DS.

METHODS: Emptying of the gastric tube was investigated with scintigraphy after an overnight fast. Twenty patients (median age 43 years, BMI 31.1 kg/m(2)) having undergone BPD-DS in median 3.5 years previously were included in the scintigraphic study. A technetium-labelled omelette was ingested and scintigraphic evaluation of gastric emptying was undertaken. Ten of the patients also underwent PYY measurements after a standardised meal and were compared to nine non-operated age-matched normal weight controls, both in the fasting state and after the test meal. Frequency of dumping symptoms was evaluated in all patients.

RESULTS: The half-emptying time was 28 +/- 16 min. Lag phase was present in 30% of the patients. PYY levels were significantly higher in BPD-DS patients as compared to controls both in the fasting state (p<0.001) and after the test meal (p<0.001). Dumping symptoms were scarce and occurred in 17 of the 20 patients only few times yearly or less.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the pylorus is preserved in BPD-DS, the stomach emptying is faster than in non-operated subjects. PYY levels are elevated in the fasting state after BPD-DS and a marked response to a test meal is seen, likely due to the rapid stimulation of intraluminal nutrients in the distal ileum. In spite of this, dumping symptoms are uncommon.

 

Bowel Habits after Gastric Bypass Versus the Duodenal Switch Operation. 
Wasserberg et al. Aug 2008
PubMed Abstract

 

BACKGROUND: One of the perceived disadvantages of the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch operation is diarrhea. The aim of this study was to compare the bowel habits of patients after duodenal switch operation or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

METHODS: A prospective comparative case series design was used. Forty-six patients who underwent duodenal switch (n = 28) or gastric bypass (n = 18) were asked to complete a daily diary for 14 days after losing least 50% of their excess body weight. Data were collected on number of bowel episodes, incontinence, urgency, stool consistency, and awakening from sleep to defecate. Background variables were recorded from the medical files.

RESULTS: The duodenal switch group was heavier (body mass index 53.5 vs 47.0 kg/m(2), p = 0.03) and older (47.5 vs 41.0 years, p = NS) than the gastric bypass group. Median time to 50% excess body weight loss was 22 months in the duodenal switch group compared to 10.0 months in the gastric bypass group (p = 0.001). Patients after duodenal switch surgery reported a median of 23.5 bowel episodes over the 14-day study period compared to 16.5 in the gastric bypass group (p = NS). There was no between-group differences in any of the other bowel parameters studied.

CONCLUSIONS: Although duodenal switch is associated with more bowel episodes than gastric bypass, the difference is not statistically significant. Bowel habits are similar in patients who achieve 50% estimated body weight loss with duodenal switch surgery or gastric bypass.