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Possible risks of death with gastric sleeve surgery

gastric sleeve operation is a weight loss surgery that reduces the amount of food consumed by shrinking the stomach. Although this Bariatric Surgery is successful for many patients, some people may face dangerous complications. become Below is a list of causes of death by gastric sleeve operation:

1. Gastric leakage (Leakage) and infection
2. Lung embolism (Pulmonary Embolism)
3. Severe internal bleeding
4. Problems caused by anesthesia and surgery
5. Nutrient deficiency and malnutrition
6. Creation of stomach tightness and digestive problems
7. Severe weight loss and body weakness
8. Cardiac problems and metabolic complications

These risks can even lead to death if not managed properly. In the following, we will fully examine each of the possible causes of death after gastric sleeve surgery.

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• Possible causes of death after gastric sleeve operation
• How can fatal risks be avoided?
• Summary

Possible causes of death after gastric sleeve operation

1. Stomach leak and severe infection

One of the most common and dangerous complications of gastric sleeve surgery is leakage from surgical sutures. This happens when the part of the stomach that is sutured fails to seal properly and the contents of the stomach leak into the abdominal cavity.

Reasons of stomach leakage:

• Surgeon's error in sewing and suturing the stomach
• High pressure on the stomach wall in the first days after the operation
• Infection and lack of proper healing of the surgical wound

Symptoms of stomach leak:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever and chills
• Increasing heart rate
Vomiting and severe nausea

Why is stomach leakage fatal?

Stomach fluids contain acids and bacteria that can cause a widespread infection called peritonitis if they enter the abdominal cavity. This condition can lead to septic shock, which is fatal in many cases.

2. pulmonary embolism; Deadly Blood Clot

Another cause of death after gastric sleeve surgery is pulmonary embolism, which occurs due to the formation of blood clots in the body's vessels.

How does pulmonary embolism occur?

After slimming operation, the body enters the recovery phase. But lack of movement in the early days can cause formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. If these clots move to the lung, they block the blood flow and cause acute respiratory failure.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• chest pain
• Cough with bloody sputum
• Low blood pressure and sudden anesthesia

Why can pulmonary embolism be fatal?

Pulmonary embolism can cause cardiac arrest and death within minutes. If the person ignores the symptoms or is in an environment where quick medical intervention is not possible, the chances of survival are very low.

3. Internal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock

Internal bleeding is another complication that can lead to death after gastric sleeve surgery. This happens when the internal stitches of the stomach are torn or the blood vessels are damaged.

Reasons of internal bleeding:

• creating a tear in the place of stitches
• Excessive pressure on the stomach due to consumption of solid food
• Using blood thinners after surgery

Symptoms of internal bleeding:

• Dizziness and extreme weakness
• Skin paleness and heavy sweating
• Low blood pressure and increased heart rate
• Dark stool or presence of blood in vomit

Why is internal bleeding fatal?

If internal bleeding is not controlled, it can lead to hemorrhagic shock in which the body experiences severe hypotension due to blood loss and vital organs fail.

4. Problems caused by anesthesia and cardiac arrest

General anesthesia is one of the critical stages of any surgery. Some patients, especially those with heart, lung problems, or severe obesity, may react negatively to anesthetics.

Possible problems of anesthesia:

• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Blocked airway during surgery
• Allergic reaction to anesthetics

Why does cardiac arrest occur during surgery?

Anesthetic drugs can slow down the heart. In some patients, this decrease in heart rate becomes excessive and leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

How can deadly dangers be avoided?

✅ Choosing an expert surgeon and a well-equipped hospital: One of the most important factors in the success of the surgery is the choice of the best bariatric surgeon and the facilities of the hospital.

✅ Following the doctor's orders after surgery:

• Follow the recommended diet.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects in the early days.
• In case of unusual symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

✅ Movement after surgery to prevent embolism: Early movement after surgery reduces the risk of blood clots.

✅ Consumption of essential supplements to prevent malnutrition: After the operation, the absorption of some vitamins decreases. It is necessary to take appropriate supplements under the supervision of a doctor.

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