Professional
Technical
IVT
biliopancreatic limb
Also written as: BP — biliopancreatic limb
The intestinal segment carrying bile and pancreatic enzymes that bypasses food contact in gastric bypass.
Full Definition
The biliopancreatic limb is the portion of small intestine that carries bile and pancreatic digestive enzymes from the duodenum to the jejunojejunostomy in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. This segment is excluded from food contact, preventing normal digestion and absorption until the enzymes mix with food at the common channel. The length of this limb influences the malabsorptive effect of the procedure and affects long-term nutritional status and weight loss outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as BP limb in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "The biliopancreatic limb was divided at 50 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz." — Operative procedure note
- "Inadequate mixing at the biliopancreatic limb junction may cause steatorrhea." — Nutritional counseling documentation
Also known as
BP limb
enzyme limb
Contrasted with
alimentary limb
common channel
Don't confuse with
alimentary limb
pancreaticobiliary limb