Benefits and risks

Information for the public

When NICE looked at the evidence for single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy, it decided that the evidence on efficacy is limited, and that there are well-recognised complications associated with the procedure. The 3 studies that NICE looked at involved a total of 247 patients.

Generally, they showed the following benefits:

weight loss that was maintained for up to 5 years in some patients
a decrease in blood sugar levels and diabetes (about 50% of patients had no diabetes at 5 years in 1 study, although diabetes did return in about 8% of people within 5 years)
normal nutrient levels 12 months after the procedure.

The studies showed that the risks of single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy included:

leaking from the stomach or small intestine in 3 people, which was treated successfully
bruising of the abdomen in 4 people
a hernia in 2 people, needing further surgery
inflamed gall bladder in 2 people, needing treatment
diarrhoea and constipation, each in 2 people
death due to lung problems, a heart attack, bleeding in the stomach or abdominal cavity, an abscess in the abdominal cavity, narrowing of the gastric sleeve needing further surgery, a stomach ulcer and sporadic vomiting, each in 1 person
low vitamin A levels in about 50% of patients in 1 study.

If you want to know more about the studies, see the guidance. Ask your health professional to explain anything you don't understand.