What type of surgery is a gastric bypass?

Gastric bypass is a type of surgery specifically designed to aid in weight loss for individuals suffering from morbid obesity. The procedure involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine. This alteration reduces the stomach's capacity, leading to decreased food intake and promoting earlier feelings of fullness, which is essential for effective weight management.

This type of surgery not only addresses obesity but also helps in managing related comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. It typically involves techniques such as stomach stapling or the use of other surgical methods to achieve a significant reduction in stomach size and bypass a portion of the digestive tract.

The other options represent different surgical procedures that do not focus on weight loss or obesity management. For instance, emergency surgery for a perforated ulcer pertains to addressing acute gastrointestinal issues, while reconstructive surgery for trauma focuses on restoring function and appearance after injuries. Minimally invasive surgery for gallstones targets the removal of gallstones, which is unrelated to weight management or obesity. Hence, gastric bypass surgery is uniquely categorized for its role in managing morbid obesity.