Which malabsorptive bariatric surgery is known to have the shortest common channel?

The malabsorptive bariatric surgery known to have the shortest common channel is the duodenal switch (DS). In this procedure, a significant part of the stomach is removed, which results in reduced food intake. Additionally, the duodenum is bypassed, meaning that food and digestive juices are not mixed until much farther down the gastrointestinal tract, creating a longer segment for malabsorption.

The common channel in the duodenal switch refers to the part of the intestine where digestive fluids and food mix before absorption. With this surgical technique, the common channel is deliberately kept shorter than in other procedures, which enhances the malabsorptive effect. This shorter common channel leads to a greater decrease in nutrient absorption, contributing to more significant weight loss and an increased risk of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.

In contrast, other procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion typically have longer common channels, which can lead to less malabsorption compared to the duodenal switch. While vertical sleeve gastrectomy primarily reduces stomach volume without creating a significant malabsorptive element, it does not involve the same short common channel dynamics present in the duodenal switch. This is why the duodenal switch is recognized for its distinct approach