the placement and later removal of a temporary weight-loss tool called
the intragastric balloon. “This is a newer procedure that’s offered at
some major medical centers in the U.S., and now here at Winchester
Medical Center,” Dr. Reed says. Endobariatric procedures are typically
incision-free, outpatient procedures offering patients the opportunity
to go home the same day.
• Endoscopic revision procedures. If a bariatric surgery performed in the
past needs repairs, such as for an ulcer, or if the connection between
the stomach and small intestines becomes stretched, leading to pain,
nausea, low blood sugar, hunger, and weight regain, you may need
revision surgery. “In the past, we’d redo the whole procedure for a
revision. But with endoscopic surgery, we can simply tighten the opening
or repair other problems as an outpatient procedure,” Dr. Sadi says.
• Single anastomosis duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy
(SADI-S). Approved in 2020 by the American Society for Metabolic and
Bariatric Surgery, this new robotic bariatric procedure provides weightloss
results similar to a duodenal switch, but with just one surgically
created new connection in the digestive system compared to two for
the duodenal switch, thus reducing the risk of complications.
• Endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for chronic
heartburn. For severe heartburn, fundoplication—wrapping part of
the stomach around the valve that prevents acid backwash into the
esophagus—can spell relief for many people suffering from GERD
or heartburn.
• Robotic extended totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) for abdominal
hernias. The usual way to repair hernias in the abdominal wall is with
open surgery. Robotic repairs happen outside the abdominal wall,
Dr. Reed says. “This reduces risk for bowel injuries and adhesions
and lets us do very strong, effective repairs,” Dr. Sadi adds. “Another
advantage is that we can offer this to people at a higher body mass
index for whom conventional surgery may have been too risky. The risk
for complications and recurrence of the hernia is very low.”
→ Learn more at valleyhealthlink.com/bariatrics.
Bariatric and metabolic surgeons Salaam Sadi, MD (above) and
Christopher Reed, MD (below).
W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 1 5
/bariatrics
