Complications of abdominal surgery

As with any surgery, there are operative and longterm complications and risks associated with weight loss surgical procedures that should be discussed with your doctor. Possible risks include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Complications due to anesthesia and medications
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Dehiscence
• Infections
• Leaks from staple line breakdown
• Marginal ulcers
• Pulmonary problems
• Spleen injury
• Stenosis

Any major surgery involves the potential for complications — adverse events which increase risk, hospital stay, and mortality. Some complications are common to all abdominal operations, while some are specific to bariatric surgery. A person who chooses to undergo bariatric surgery should know about these risks.