Is Weight Loss Surgery Worth The Risk?

A new study at Stanford University has revealed that "minimally-invasive" weight loss surgery is "safer" than an open procedure.  The minimally invasive surgery is performed via a scope with only small incisions being made in the abdomen, the laparoscopic technique.  The open procedure involves a more traditional, larger abdominal incision.  According to the study, fewer patients undergoing the minimally-invasive weight loss surgery suffer complications, and they tend to leave the hospital sooner.  

See the Fox News report and article summary HERE.  

While there are a number of different approaches to weight loss surgery, all of the techniques generally involve reducing the size of the stomach to lessen food intake and calorie absorption.  No matter how performed, these surgeries carry with them substantial complication rates.  For example, the researchers in this new study found about 1 in 5 patients undergoing open surgery had at least one complication -- such as developing pneumonia or needing a blood transfusion -- compared to just over 1 in 8 patients who had less-invasive surgery.  There is also a death rate among open procedure patients of 1 in 500 and a rate of about 1 in 1,000 among those who had laparoscopic surgery.  If all of this were not enough, the failure rate among all weight loss surgeries is reportedly as high as 30%.  This is apparently to say nothing of the rate of malpractice committed by weight loss surgeons, which does not appear to have been the subject of any study.  With all of this to be taken into account, is weight loss surgery really safe?

Compensation for victims of medical malpractice committed by weight loss surgeons should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a physician carelessly harms a patient, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County medical malpractice lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has over 21 years of experience handling personal injury and medical malpractice cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been the victim of a botched weight loss procedure?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.