Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
Published on: June 11, 2012
[Foetal brain damage may follow gastric bypass surgery]
Signe Elisabeth Bødker Thim1, Per Glud Ovesen, Anders Straarup Johansen
1Børneafdelingen, Regionshospitalet Randers, Skovlyvej 1, 8930 Randers NØ. signeand@rm.dk.
Insights
Bariatric surgery in women of childbearing age reduces obesity risks during pregnancy but increases surgical complication risks like internal hernias. Pregnant patients need careful monitoring for potential surgical complications and their impact on fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Bariatric surgery is increasingly common in women of childbearing age.
- Pregnancy in this demographic offers reduced obesity-related complications but heightened surgical risks.
Observation:
- A case report details a pregnant woman undergoing emergency surgery for internal herniation.
- This patient later delivered a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Findings:
- Internal hernias are a significant risk following bariatric surgery in pregnant women.
- Pregnancy outcomes can be adversely affected by bariatric surgery complications.
Implications:
- Informed consent for bariatric surgery must include detailed pregnancy risks and benefits.
- Enhanced medical surveillance during pregnancy is crucial for women with a history of bariatric surgery.
Abstract:
Bariatric surgery is performed on an increasing number of women of childbearing age. During pregnancy they have reduced risk of obesity-related complications but increased risk of bariatric surgery-related complications, including internal hernias. We present a case in which a pregnant woman required acute surgery for internal herniation and later gave birth to a child with cerebral palsy. Before performing bariatric surgery in women of childbearing age, thorough information about risks and benefits related to pregnancy should be given. Special medical attention during pregnancy is required.
