Worried about surgery requiring large cuts on the body and leaving huge scars? Not with minimal access gastrointestinal (GI) and bariatric surgery. This type of surgery is a significantly less invasive treatment option requiring one or more small incisions rather than a large one. The surgeon needs an incision just large enough to send a tube with a video camera into a body cavity. The incision can be as small as ¼ inch. The surgeon then passes surgical instruments through other small incisions and views the surgery on a monitor that magnifies images to ease the operation.

These surgical procedures are less traumatic for the body than traditional open surgery and have shorter recovery times. Led by a team of skilled surgeons, we offer a comprehensive range of procedures to treat GI conditions and obesity-related issues. Our treatment plans focus on minimising the side effects of bariatric surgery procedures. With comprehensive treatment programmes and tailored interventions, the specialists at Narayana Health help you meet your health goals while improving your overall well-being.

When Do Doctors Recommend Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals struggling with severe issues related to obesity, especially if other weight loss methods have failed to work for them. This surgery has become a major medical intervention where one needs to meet certain criteria to be a good candidate for the procedure. These criteria have been developed to maximise patient safety and the effectiveness of the procedure.

Bariatric surgery modifies the digestive system, usually the stomach. In some cases, the small intestine might also be modified. The aim is to regulate the number of calories an individual can consume and absorb. The procedure might also reduce the digestive system's hunger signals to the brain.

Such minimal access surgery is recommended for the treatment and prevention of several metabolic disorders associated with obesity, such as fatty liver disease and diabetes. However, remember that this surgery isn't a “quick fix” for your problems. It requires preparation before the procedure and lifestyle changes for the long-term to be successful.

Some key areas where doctors recommend minimal access bariatric surgery include:

Severe Obesity-Related Conditions

Individuals who have a BMI higher than 35 (in cases of severe obesity, the BMI is around 40) are prime candidates for this surgery. A high BMI can pose serious health challenges and lead to conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnoea, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. When other weight loss options do not work, a bariatric surgery procedure could be the best route to enhancing your overall health.

Restricted Mobility

Before surgery, doctors recommend traditional methods of weight loss, which include exercises, dietary changes and medication. However, people with severe restrictions in mobility, activity and functioning might be unable to follow the exercise routine. This is when minimal access surgery becomes a viable option. A laparoscopic procedure might be done to combat severe obesity.

Regardless of why the procedure was recommended, our specialists always strive to minimise the side effects of bariatric surgery. They first help the patient prepare for the surgery with pre-operative counselling and then ensure optimal post-operative care to take into account the changes in digestion and deficiency in nutrition absorption that could result from the surgery.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimal access surgery is mainly done for gastrointestinal conditions, while bariatric surgery is a transformative procedure for individuals struggling with obesity. Both leverages less invasive treatment methods using advanced techniques like an endoscope or laparoscope, which offer surgical precision, along with significantly lower pain and post-operative discomfort. Some of the other major benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

Faster Recovery and Reduced Trauma

Since these surgeries involve smaller incisions, there is less trauma to the body as compared to open surgery. This means the body recovers faster from the procedure. Therefore, the post-operative hospital stay tends to be much shorter for such less invasive treatment.

Lesser Complications

Minimal access GI and bariatric surgery lowers the risk of post-operative complications, such as excess bleeding or infections. In bariatric surgery, this approach is likely to reduce the risk of hernias and other issues that are sometimes witnessed with traditional open surgery. Our highly experienced surgical team is highly skilled in these advanced techniques to ensure optimum safety and better outcomes for every patient.

Improved Quality of Life

These procedures significantly enhance the quality of life of patients by addressing GI disorders in a minimally invasive nature, while also reducing the hospital stay and overall cost of treatment as compared to traditional open surgery. This means you achieve your health goals and return to normal life faster.

Our Services

Laparoscopic Surgery: This is a minimal access surgery, performed through small incisions and resulting in less pain and scarring, compared to traditional surgery.
Bariatric Surgery: Surgical procedures for weight loss, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding.
Hernia Repair: Less invasive treatments are available for various types of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical and hiatal hernias.
Gastrointestinal Surgery: We offer surgical treatment for conditions affecting the GI tract, such as reflux disease, gallbladder disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.
Endoscopy: This is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that uses a flexible tube with a light and camera to visualise the GI tract and treat conditions such as ulcers and polyps.

Type of Bariatric Surgery

At Narayana Health, you can choose from different types of bariatric surgery. However, it is best to consult your surgeon to make a well-informed decision.

Gastric Bypass

This is one of the most common types of bariatric surgery and involves the creation of a small pouch from the part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine. This reduces your stomach capacity and ensures that you eat less and absorb fewer calories. Severe obesity, challenges in managing diabetes and persistent heartburn are common reasons for this surgery.

Anti-Reflux Procedures

Minimal access surgery can help strengthen the lower oesophagus and reduce acid reflux to provide relief from the symptoms of severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Various signs can indicate the need for this procedure, including regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and chronic heartburn.

Cholecystectomy

This is a less invasive treatment option for gallbladder diseases like inflammation or gallstones. Here, the gallbladder is surgically removed via laparoscopy to treat symptoms like jaundice and severe abdominal pain. After surgery, you might experience diarrhoea, a change in appetite and digestion, and bloating, which are common side effects of bariatric surgery. Talk to your doctor to learn how you can alleviate any discomfort.

Expert Care in Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery

Choosing Narayana Health means opting for excellence in care and innovative treatment options. With a focus on maintaining the highest standards, we offer a variety of less invasive treatments for gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. This not only ensures optimal outcomes but also reduces risks and recovery time.

Patient-Centred Approach: Your health and well-being are our top priorities. We understand that undergoing surgery can be stressful, and we are committed to providing personalised care and support to ensure a comfortable experience and successful outcome.
Experienced Surgeons: Our team of surgeons has extensive experience in performing minimally invasive GI and bariatric procedures.
Advanced Technology: We utilize the latest surgical technologies and equipment to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Comprehensive Care: From pre-operative consultations to post-operative follow-up, we provide comprehensive care and support to our patients throughout their surgical journey.

At Narayana Health, our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools support minimal access surgery, such as robotic and laparoscopic systems. This helps our surgeons conduct even the most complex procedures with minimal trauma to the body and better overall health outcomes.

Minimal Access Gi And Bariatric Surgery