Disadvantages & Risks of Biliopancreatic Diversion Surgery - Obesity Surgery Guide

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).

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