19 March 2023

19 March 2023

The Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St Petersburg University resumes bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is relatively young branch of surgery. However, for patients with chronic obesity, bariatric surgery is the only method of treatment that can lead to the clinically meaningful and sustainable weight loss.

The need for radical surgical measures to reduce weight is determined by the fact that the disease is increasingly becoming pathological; when the body mass index is above 40, the quality of life is dramatically worsened. Moreover, the number of chronic diseases associated with excess weight and leading to disability is growing. At the same time all attempts to reduce weight are either ineffectual, or lead to an even greater set of it.

After careful medical examination, studying the particulars of the disease progress and a decision on the best treatment tactics for the patient are made, The Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St Petersburg University can perform the following bariatric operations:

Resection of the stomach. As a result of surgical intervention, a large part of the stomach is longitudinally removed along with the area that secrets the hunger hormone ghrelin. The remaining volume of the stomach is approximately 3.52 oz (100 ml).
Gastric bypass. As a result of this operation, a ‘small stomach’ with a volume of 1.76 oz (50 ml) is formed, from which food immediately enters the small intestine. At the same time the initial part of the small intestine - the zone where fats and carbohydrates are absorbed - is turned off from absorption, therefore, after the operation, lifelong intake of vitamins and proteins is indicated.
If the condition with the excessive weight is not severe, and there are no indications for surgery, non-surgical treatment is possible by installing an intragastric balloon. This operation is performed using a flexible endoscope under light sedation. A balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated with liquid up to 21.12 oz (600 ml). Thus, the balloon fills part of the stomach volume and contributes to the feeling of satiety even after a small meal.

However, the balloon can remain inside the stomach for only six month. Then, it should be removed so as not to cause stomach irritation. During this period, a food habit is formed, and satiety is achieved with less food. In some cases, the balloon is installed as the initial stage prior the main operation.

As a result of surgical treatment, patients present a dramatic increase in their quality of life:

In the course of the first year their weight reduces approximately by 75 %, and remains unchanged in 65 % of operated patients during the following six years.
Partial or complete remission of diabetes is recorded (in 67 % of cases with longitudinal resection of the stomach and in 85 - 90 % of cases with gastric bypass).
Lipid profile and functional parameters of the liver become significantly better.
Women restore their menstrual cycle and the ability to become pregnant.
The level of anxiety and depression reduces.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), there are over one billion people with excess weight worldwide; 30 % of the population in developed countries suffers from obesity. The WHO is expressively concerned of the global epidemics of the disease resulting from a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, lack of adequate sleep, the presence of chronic diseases and the use of certain medications.

You can make an appointment with a bariatric surgeon for a consultation by calling our reception desk at 8 812 676 25 25 or by submitting your request through our website.