What are the disadvantages/risks of Biliopancreatic Diversion surgery?

There are benefits from all types of surgery but there are risks as well. These are as follows:

Infection
Leakage due to a perforated bowel or stomach.
Bleeding
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
Pulmonary embolus (risk of blood clots in the lungs)
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies. This includes protein deficiency and ‘night blindness’ due to malabsorption of vitamin A.
Risk of osteoarthritis as a result of problems absorbing calcium and vitamin D – both of which are needed for bone health.
More risks during this procedure than for a gastric bypass.
There may be changes to body odour
Requires a longer stay in hospital. Four days as compared to two days for other procedures.

Death during or following this surgery is extremely uncommon. It accounts for 0.5% of cases.

Visit our FAQs section for a range of the most commonly asked question about biliopancreatic diversion (with or without duodenal switch).

Obesity