Biology/digestive system
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Question
In gastric bypass surgery, what is the doctor's reasoning in connecting the duodenum to the jejunum? In other words, what purpose does this serve?
Hi Caitie: Thanks for your question.
The duodenum is already connected to the jejunum in the normal small intestine.
In most of these kinds of surgery, the stomach is either reduced in size by surgery or (more recently) banding. Sometimes the stomach is bypassed and the esophagus (food tube) is connected directly to the duodenum.
Here's a link on the various kinds of bariatric surgery:
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm#rygastric
If this link doesn't answer your questions, just write back and I'll try to help you.
FM Rollwagen, PhD
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Answers by Expert:
Florence M Rollwagen
Expertise
I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.
Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology
Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966
MS biology 1968
PhD immunology 1979
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