There are recent studies out that suggest that levels of colorectal cancer development tend to be higher in those who have undergone weight loss surgery. While weight loss surgery is often seen as being one of the last solutions in terms of weight loss, there are a number of negative health effects that it appears to have on the body. As a result, it is important to take a close look at what this research says before you decide to embark on bariatric surgery.
The Patterns
When the study was carried out, it examined over seventy-seven thousand different patients who were on the Swedish registry. All of these patients were obese. Studies were carried out to see if the risk of colorectal cancer was higher in certain people. The findings were that all three bariatric procedures tended to heighten and increase the risk of this type of cancer. The vertical banded gastroplasty, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding all had their negative effects on the body. The study was administered by Dr. Maryam Derogar, who works at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
The type of pattern was only seen in those who had actually undergone the procedures. This pattern was not seen in obese individuals who hadn’t had the surgery.
A Long-Term Effect
Due to the findings, researchers at the Stockholm Institute suggest that this appears to be a long-term effect of weight loss surgery. As a result, this is has prompted them to pursue further research which will help to reduce the levels of people actually getting colorectal cancer in the first place, especially if they have undergone these weight loss procedures. What is interesting to note, however, is that there are no known increases in any other type of cancer.
Research is now being carried out to see what can be done in order to prevent this. This research has not been entirely confirmed, however, and patients should note that the increase in the risk of colorectal cancer usually occurs after ten years. However, it is not yet clear why the risk is increased. There are suggestions, however, that state that the malabsorption effects of gastric bypass surgery cause local mucosal changes. These mucosal changes, in turn, end up becoming a huge risk factor. It is, therefore, a good idea for patients to understand this before they decide to go in for a weight loss procedure.