With the technological advances being made in the area of laparoscopic bariatric surgery, such procedures have become safer, less invasive, more efficient and popular, and are helping patients with severe obesity and metabolic disorders to lead healthier lives.
Dr Shashank Shah is the Co-founder & Director of Laparo Obeso Centre. He is a pioneer in laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
He is also President of the All India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity, the Obesity Surgery Society of India and the International Excellence Federation, India Chapter.
Dr Shah speaks to us about the trends revolutionising bariatric surgery, the use of technology in such procedures
Talking about the recent trends in the field of laparoscopic bariatric surgery, Dr Shah remarked, “There have been advances in suturing devices, imaging and coagulating devices with structured training that has made bariatric procedures safe and protocol-based. There is also a better understanding of the metabolic and hormonal impact that has made the procedure better accepted”.
With the increasing advances in technology, he also spoke about how technology has revolutionised the techniques in laparoscopic bariatric procedures, saying, “Technology has made laparoscopic bariatric procedures easier and safe. Staplers save time and assist with bloodless surgery. The use of advanced imaging also makes it more precise and recovery becomes faster almost like a daycare procedure”.
Dr Shah added, “The best results are seen in those who have weight-related comorbidities like joint pain, breathlessness and also in those with metabolic problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Eventually, the long term cardiovascular risk is reduced and the quality of life is much improved.
Touching upon today’s lifestyle and its impact on patient health, diagnoses and outcomes of bariatric procedures, Dr Shah explains, “Today’s environment has added a new disease called obesity. The lifestyle adds a challenge to treating it with medical management alone. The endocrine system gets disturbed; and for those who deserve bariatric surgery, it has been a life-changing experience. Metabolic and bariatric surgery remains the only scientifically proven method for long term weight loss and its maintenance.”
Dr Shah concluded by explaining how a personalised and individualised approach to laparoscopic bariatric procedures help to achieve the best results. He explained, “The best approach to a patient undergoing bariatric surgery is a team approach. Surgery is a tool; but the real maintenance therapy for the best result comes from one-to-one counselling and follow up with bariatric nutritionists, physical therapist, psychologist, bariatric physician and other team members. Only a unit with a high volume of practice and a dedicated team for management can offer the best results.”