Duodenal Switch Surgery Information

At the time of the surgery

We recommend that from 3 to 5 days previous to the operation, the patient follows a liquid diet- Including plenty of fluids. 

There is no need to have a colon preparation previous to surgery, unless a special need would require it. 

We perform open surgery, through a slanted incision on the upper part of the umbilical scar. 

All patients leave the operating room with a pump which since the beginning of the operation controls the dispensing of morphine to control the patient's pain.  

There will be 2 drain pipes that will come out through your skin on both sides of the abdomen.  Those drain pipes will remain in for a period of 4 days.  Additionally, you will have a probe in your bladder to check the volume of urine your body is producing.  The probe is usually removed after a 24 hour period. 

The pain control is crucial so that the patients are able to walk at the longest 8 hours after the operation.  All patients are helped by simple equipment to assist them in doing respiratory exercises. 

Generally, the patients start with drinking fluids 48 to 72 hours after the surgery, and will continue to have liquids during the first 5 to 7 days after the operation.

Regarding the Medications

After the surgery, patients will continue taking some daily medications. 

We prescribe Omeprazol, for 7 days, to reduce the gastric acid amounts.

Pain medications (Including Dolac, Advil, etc.)

Injected anticoagulant.  Generally, we recommend to apply this medication on a daily basis, during the 10 days after the surgery.  This will include applying the medication after your return home, but we will teach you how to apply it. 

Vitamins ADEK.  As a result of this type of surgery, all patients must take these vitamins daily, for the rest of their lives.  We can obtain those vitamins for you in Mexico. 

Calcium.  Daily calcium intake will be necessary, however, depending of the vitamin D and paratohormone levels, it could be possible to diminish or increase the dosage and in some cases even suspend the dosage all together. 

Vitamins B12 and Folic Acid: It is recommended that once o twice a year these vitamins would even be applied or taken. 

If you are a woman that intends to get pregnant, you must take folic acid previously to getting pregnant.  This is absolutely necessary since the absence of   folic acid on the pregnant mother could cause birth deformities.

Follow-Up

All patients must have tests done periodically.  During the first year, the tests will be done every 3 months, and basically will consist of the same tests done previous to surgery. 

During the next year, the patient will have the test done twice a year and only once after the third year.  Unless of course a special need arises. 

The patient must keep track of weight control, waist length and arterial pressure. The patient should also identify and keep track the improvements of their quality of life and e-mail them to their doctor.