Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass

The Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch – abbreviated as BPD/DS – is a procedure with two components. First, a smaller, tubular stomach pouch is created by removing a portion of the stomach, very similar to the sleeve gastrectomy. Next, a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed.

The Procedure

The duodenum, or the first portion of the small intestine, is divided just past the outlet of the stomach. A segment of the distal (last portion) small intestine is then brought up and connected to the outlet of the newly created stomach, so that when the patient eats, the food goes through a newly created tubular stomach pouch and empties directly into the last segment of the small intestine. Roughly three-fourths of the small intestine is bypassed by the food stream.

The bypassed small intestine, which carries the bile and pancreatic enzymes that are necessary for the breakdown and absorption of protein and fat, is reconnected to the last portion of the small intestine so that they can eventually mix with the food stream. Similar to the other surgeries described above, the BPD/DS initially helps to reduce the amount of food that is consumed; however, over time this effect lessens and patients are able to eventually consume near “normal” amounts of food. Unlike the other procedures, there is a significant amount of small bowel that is bypassed by the food stream.

Additionally, the food does not mix with the bile and pancreatic enzymes until very far down the small intestine. This results in a significant decrease in the absorption of calories and nutrients (particularly protein and fat) as well as nutrients and vitamins dependent on fat for absorption (fat soluble vitamins and nutrients). Lastly, the BPD/DS, similar to the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, affects guts hormones in a manner that impacts hunger and satiety as well as blood sugar control. The BPD/DS is considered to be the most effective surgery for the treatment of diabetes among those that are described here.

Advantages

  1. Results in greater weight loss than RYGB, LSG, or AGB, i.e. 60 – 70% percent excess weight loss or greater, at 5 year follow up
  2. Allows patients to eventually eat near “normal” meals
  3. Reduces the absorption of fat by 70 percent or more
  4. Causes favorable changes in gut hormones to reduce appetite and improve satiety
  5. Is the most effective against diabetes compared to RYGB, LSG, and AGB

Disadvantages

  1. Has higher complication rates and risk for mortality than the AGB, LSG, and RYGB
  2. Requires a longer hospital stay than the AGB or LSG
  3. Has a greater potential to cause protein deficiencies and long-term deficiencies in a number of vitamin and minerals, i.e. iron, calcium, zinc, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D
  4. Compliance with follow-up visits and care and strict adherence to dietary and vitamin supplementation guidelines are critical to avoiding serious complications from protein and certain vitamin deficiencies
Diagram of stomach before and after Duodenal switch procedure

What are the risks of duodenal switch bariatric surgery?

The risks of duodenal switch bariatric surgery include higher complication rates and risk for mortality, a longer hospital stay, and potential for protein deficiencies and long-term deficiencies in a number of vitamins and minerals.

How long is the recovery from duodenal switch surgery?

The recovery period after duodenal switch surgery can vary depending on the individual but typically takes several weeks to a few months. It is normal for patients to be kept in the hospital for a few days for observation and to manage any pain or complications. They may be given pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.

How long is the duration of duodenal switch surgery?

Duration of the duodenal switch procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the patient’s anatomy, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the procedure.

Typically, one can expect the operation to take between two to four hours to complete. It’s important to note that the duration of the surgery does not necessarily determine the success of the procedure, and the surgeon will prioritize ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient over completing the procedure quickly.