| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth |
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and an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
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In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving the abdomen. |
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The anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - probably general anesthesia by injection and inhalation mask. |
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The surgeon will then apply antiseptic solution to the skin . . . |
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... and place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
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Then, when you are asleep, the surgical team will make an incision just above the navel. |
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A tube-shaped collar called a trocar will be placed inside the incision to hold it open. |
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Harmless carbon dioxide gas will be used to inflate the abdomen, serving to enlarge the work area and to separate the organs. |
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The team then inserts the laparoscope. |
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Once in place, the laparoscope will provide video images that allow the surgeon to see the inside of your abdomen. |
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Next, the team makes four more incisions - taking special care to keep the openings as small as possible. These openings will provide access for other surgical instruments. |
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Using these instruments your doctor will then cut the upper portion of the stomach from the rest of the organ |
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This upper portion forms a small pouch which is sealed with a stapling tool. The opening in the larger portion of the stomach is closed with staples. |
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The next step is to divide the small intestine. |
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The main part of the intestine is pulled upward, behind the colon and positioned near the small upper stomach pouch. |
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The other free end of the intestine is surgically stitched to the side of an intestinal loop. |
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The other end is now attached to the small stomach pouch. A new route for food passing from the esophagus into the intestines has now been created. |
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Finally, your doctor will check to make sure that all the new connections are secure and that there are no leaks. |
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A drain is added to remove any excess fluids and the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape |
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Then the team withdraws all surgical instruments and the incisions are closed with sutures or staples. |
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Finally, a sterile dressing is applied. |
