Professional
Technical
IVT
alimentary limb
The segment of small intestine that carries food from the gastric pouch in bypass procedures.
Full Definition
The alimentary limb is the portion of small intestine that connects to the gastric pouch and carries consumed food in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. This limb extends from the gastrojejunostomy to the jejunojejunostomy, where it meets the biliopancreatic limb. The length of the alimentary limb affects the degree of malabsorption achieved by the procedure, with longer limbs generally resulting in greater weight loss but increased risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Usage
Usage note: Also called Roux limb in gastric bypass procedures.
In Context
- "The alimentary limb was measured to 150 cm to optimize malabsorption." — Surgical technique description
- "Obstruction of the alimentary limb presented with severe abdominal pain and vomiting." — Emergency department note
Also known as
Roux limb
food limb
Contrasted with
biliopancreatic limb
common channel
Don't confuse with
biliopancreatic limb
common limb