A senior surgeon in general surgery and organ transplantation has raised concerns about stomach reduction surgery, stressing that it is a major procedure with serious risks.
The surgeon explained that this surgery is mainly intended for patients with obesity, but some people undergo it for cosmetic reasons. He warned that, despite its benefits in certain cases, it remains a high-risk operation that can sometimes result in death.
Abdullah Saeed, a consultant in general surgery and organ transplantation, emphasized that stomach reduction changes both the shape and function of the stomach. He outlined that around 75% of the stomach is removed in this procedure, which can greatly affect the patient’s health. He added that the surgery must follow official medical guidelines, with the patient’s condition assessed beforehand by a specialized committee. Moreover, he stressed that such surgery should be limited and used only for clear medical needs.
According to Guideline No. 17 of 2023 from the Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan Regional Government, this procedure is strictly regulated with specific requirements, instructions, and safety measures. Any operation performed outside these regulations is not allowed.