Duodenal Switch Surgery

Duodenal Switch Surgery

Surgical Technique

Duodenal switch (DS) is an effective metabolic surgery method used in the treatment of severe obesity. This minimally invasive procedure is performed laparoscopically through 5-7 small incisions.

The surgery consists of two stages:

  • Removal of 70-75% of the stomach, creating a tube with a volume of 150-200 ml
  • Diversion of 200-250 cm of the small intestine and duodenal anastomosis

This technique reduces the daily calorie absorption to 1,200-1,500 calories.

Clinical Outcomes

DS surgery is preferred, especially in patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 50. The rates of metabolic improvement are quite high:

  • Remission of type 2 diabetes: 98%
  • Normalisation of blood pressure: 95%
  • Improvement of sleep apnoea: 92%
  • Normalisation of blood lipids: 90%

Weight Loss and Follow-up

Patients lose 35-40% of their excess weight in the first 6 months, and 75-85% in 18-24 months. The nutrition programme gradually progresses from liquids to solid foods over the first 8 weeks.
Vitamin Supplementation
Daily required supplements:

  • ADEK Multivitamin (twice a day)
  • Elemental iron (18-27 mg)
  • Calcium citrate (1,500-2,000 mg)
  • Vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg/month, injection)

Regular blood tests are required every 3 months in the first year, and every 6 months thereafter.