The successful robot-assisted bariatric surgery performed in Fortis Hospital, Mohali, has given a new lease on life for a Punjab man of 21 years by weighing 210 kg. The older teenager sought the help of specialists, whose recommendations placed both discomfort and health-related threats on his future, having suffered from severe obesity, pre-diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Dr. Vitish Singla, the Consultant of the Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, was able to perform robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy for the same patient minimally invasive procedure intended for weight loss, that led to the reduction in size of the stomach by approximately 80% in this particular case.
Obesity and Health Risk: A Ticking Clock
The patient had struggled with borderline diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea for many years, and if these were left untreated, they would have become more problematic in the form of serious complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and lung problems. Hence, his BMI of 74 kg/m² put him under the class of morbidly obese persons, with severe threats to life awaiting him if interventions were not sought timely manner.
Precision Surgery with Rapid Recovery
Considering the use of precision tools, the entire procedure took around 1.5 hours with negligible blood loss during and after surgery, making recovery comparatively faster. The patient was even able to walk six hours post-surgery, received smoothies and soups at 24 hours, and was discharged on the second day after surgery.
As said by Dr. Singla, the patient had stabilized blood glucose levels in the very first 24 hours and also saw an improvement in sleep apnea symptoms. With continued care and follow-up, he is expected to lose nearly 100 kg over the next 12 to 18 months.
Why Bariatric Surgery Is a Game Changer
The latest indications of bariatric surgery include a BMI of more than 30kg/m2 along with obesity related comorbidities or a BMI of more than 35kg/m2 regardless of the presence or absence of comorbidities. It has been observed that the Asian population is more prone to visceral obesity. Therefore, in the Indian/ Asian population, patients with a BMI of more than 27.5 kg/m2 should be considered for bariatric surgery, especially if there is associated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In such cases, a restricted diet does not help in achieving long-term outcomes and does not lead to the resolution of diabetes,” said Dr. Vitish Singla, the Consultant of the Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
He went on to emphasize that bariatric surgery now ensures long-term weight loss and is not only successful in resolving diabetes but also improving quality-of-life outcomes.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)