Roux-en-Y Procedure

Commonly used as a weight-loss (bariatric) surgery: it reduces the stomach size and amount of nutrient absorption.

– Creates a small gastric pouch that comprises only the fundus and bypasses rest of stomach (the body and antrum) and the duodenum. – Jejunum is attached to the gastric fundus. – Duodenum attached further down along the jejunum; this allows digestive juices from the stomach and pancreas as well as bile from the gallbladder release into the intestine. – "Roux Limb" = portion of the jejunum between two attachments.

Following surgery, food passes: esophagus ? gastric pouch ? Roux Limb ? through Roux Limb ? remaining jejunum.

– Because the duodenum is bypassed, these patients lack the absorptive and secretive properties of the duodenum. – Patients supplement diets with: iron, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and mineral supplements (no longer absorbed) – Also: no longer secrete intrinsic factor from bypassed duodenum ? cannot bind to vitamin B-12 in bypassed duodenum ? unable to absorb vitamin B12 in ileum.

Physicians prescribe vitamin B-12 supplements (nasal spray, sublingual drops, or tablets) ? ensures B-12 directly absorbed into circulation.

Roux-en-Y Procedure

Related Tutorials