Risk of Renal Failure After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery refers to any form of surgery performed to help the patient lose weight, including adjustable gastric banding, gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. Bariatric surgery can be lifesaving for many morbidly obese patients, but there are a number of risks involved.
Risk of Renal Failure
A study published in the medical journal "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases" in February 2006 found that acute renal failure occurred in 2.3 percent of patients after bariatric surgery. Of these patients, about 15 percent required dialysis.
Who Is at Risk for Renal Failure?
Heavier patients (those with a Body Mass Index of 50 or above) are at higher risk for renal failure after bariatric surgery. Patients with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease are also at greater risk.
Causes of Renal Failure After Bariatric Surgery
Renal failure may occur after bariatric surgery due to a buildup of protein in the kidneys. Renal failure may also occur as a result of kidney stones, which develop in some patients after bariatric surgery.
Treatment for Renal Failure After Bariatric Surgery
If renal failure occurs due to a buildup of protein in the kidneys, IV fluid therapy is often enough to correct the problem. In rare cases, dialysis is needed. If renal failure is caused by kidney stones, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be used to break up the stones, or surgery may be required.
Reducing Risk of Renal Failure
Because patients with a BMI of 50 or above are at higher risk for renal failure, heavier patients can reduce their risk by losing some weight prior to surgery. Adequate fluid intake can help prevent kidney stones after bariatric surgery.
