Risks

Patient safety is our main priority. It is important that you are open and honest about your medical history and follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. Your health and wellbeing are at the forefront of our practice.

All surgery carries potential risks. It is essential to have surgical procedure done by a trusted, reputable and experience surgeon, like Dr Girardi.

Some of the general risks of weight loss surgery may include:

• Infection
• Leakage
• Reflux
• Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies
• Protein deficiency
• Blood loss
• Blood clots
• Fluid build-up (edema)
  
• Complications of anaesthesia

Infection
Surgical would infections may be red, painful, hot to touch or have pus discharge from the incision site and may cause a fever. Infection is when harmful bacterial enter the surgical site and can happen at any time after surgery until the wound has healed.
Dr Girardi follows stringent sterility protocols to mitigate this risk. It is imperative that you follow the strict post-operative care instructions provided to you to reduce the risk of infection and seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms above.

Leaks

Your body needs time for tissue to repair and heal. Internal staple lines or anastomoses may sometimes not form securely and leakage of intestinal or gastric contents may occur up to several months after surgery. While the rates of leaks are 1-2% they may cause serious consequences including severe infection and may require reoperation or drainage.

Strictures

Scars form as part of the body’s healing process. There are several factors that contribute to the development of scars along joins or pouches created inside your abdomen and these may cause obstruction requiring dilation or diversion.

Blood clots
Blood clots form in the body to manage bleeding. It is an immune response in the blood stream to prevent excessive bleeding. However, blood clots can be dangerous and inhibit the functions of organs. The occurrence of blood clots after cosmetic surgery is rare but is still a risk. It is important to follow instructions to reduce the risks of blood clots including wearing compression garments, light movement to increase circulation and a healthy diet.

Blood loss
You may experience blood loss as a side effect of any surgery. There may be some external bleeding at your surgery incision or you may experience pain, pressure or swelling as a result of internal bleeding. It is important to seek medical attention if you see excessive bleeding or blood-soaked dressings or have any swelling or sever pain.

Fluid buildup
Fluid buildup in your tissues is called edema and primarily occurs in your ankles, feet and legs. Some treatments to reduce fluid buildup and swelling includes elevating the affected area above you heart, avoid sitting or standing for long periods, wearing support socks, stockings or sleeves, reducing salt intake.

Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia can cause complications during surgery including respiratory issues, hypotension, hypothermia, abnormal heart rate, hypoventilation or allergic reaction. We monitor patients through surgery to reduce the risk of anaesthesia complication.

Bruising and Swelling
It is common to have some bruising and swelling from surgery. However, for your health and safety, you must bring it to the attention of a medical professional if you experience prolonged swelling or dark bruising.