What complications (risks) can occur?
This section is not meant to frighten you, but help you to make
an informed decision on whether to have a Laparoscopic Gastric
Sleeve procedure. When planning to have surgery, your biggest
concern should be the final outcome. Will your life be improved
by the procedure or do the risks outweigh the rewards? No
surgery is risk free, but understanding the possible complications
can help you make a better decision.
Most problems that can occur after this surgery are relatively
minor and do not have a long-term effect on your recovery. Some
complications may be more significant and require a longer hospital
stay and recovery period.
Antibiotics at the time of surgery, deep breathing exercises and
early mobilisation after surgery, are some of the measures taken
to reduce the risks of these complications. Precautions are taken
during surgery and your hospital stay to minimise risks, but there
remains a chance that you could develop a complication, which in
rare cases can cause death.
During Surgery
Your surgeon may need to make a larger incision because of
technical difficulties with the keyhole surgery approach. This should
not significantly alter your recovery from surgery. There are risks
with any abdominal surgery using keyhole surgery instruments.
These risks could be an accidental injury to the bowel or any
closely related organs, such as the pancreas, spleen or liver.
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