BEST HOSPITALS

SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTRE

Bariatric surgeries at Sunway Medical Centre Bariatric procedures , or weight loss surgeries , physically alter the stomach size to restrict the amount of food one can consume and limit the absorption of calories . The procedures trigger hormonal changes , resulting in decreased appetite , a longlasting feeling of fullness , and increased metabolism . They assist with losing excess weight and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening obesity-related health conditions .

Sunway Medical Centre offers two bariatric procedures , sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass . They are performed by a seasoned and pioneering bariatric surgeon in Malaysia , Dato Dr Tikfu Gee , who is dedicated to providing surgical weight loss management of the highest order . These procedures are performed with a minimally invasive surgery driven by robotic-assisted technology .

Sleeve gastrectomy During a sleeve gastrectomy , about 80 to 85 percent of the stomach is removed , leaving a narrow gastric “ tube ” or “ sleeve ” about the size of a banana . Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual manner without any alteration to the small intestines . The procedure reduces the amount of food that fits in the stomach and affects hormones in the gastrointestinal system that trigger appetite and metabolism . As part of the stomach is permanently removed , a sleeve gastrectomy cannot be reversed .

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass , the stomach is divided into two , creating a small stomach pouch on the upper portion while the rest of

Faith Tang , Bryan Lin and Lynette Lim

the stomach remains intact . Subsequently , the small intestine separates into two sections , with the lower portion of the small intestine attached directly to the small stomach pouch . On the other hand , the upper portion of the small intestine reconnects to the lower portion of the intestine . This allows foods to bypass a portion of the larger stomach and small intestines , reducing food intake . At the same time , certain hormones are also being regulated due to this bypass , providing a positive impact on the management of diabetes . This surgery is especially suitable for diabetic individuals with a high chance of remission or abatement of diabetes . Mini-gastric bypass is a variation of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with similar health benefits and outcomes . The only difference is that the small bowel is not separated , where it remains a loop attached directly to the small stomach pouch .

da Vinci surgery : A minimally invasive surgical option State-of-the-art da Vinci surgery is another minimally invasive surgical option for patients considering bariatric surgery . The da Vinci System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and special wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist . Roboticassisted surgery enables your doctor to operate with enhanced vision , precision , and control .

The benefits of robotic-assisted technology include , but are not limited to , less blood loss , fewer complications , shorter hospital stays , smaller incisions for minimal scarring , and a faster recovery and return to daily life . Other benefits include a lower rate of gastrointestinal leaks , lower risk of converting to open surgery , lower risk of needing follow-up surgery , and reduced surgeon fatigue ( due to the da Vinci System ergonomics ).

36 NOVEMBER 2021 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com