Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

As name implies Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy involves removal of 80% of the stomach with creation of narrow sleeve-like tube. With this procedure capacity of the stomach to hold food is greatly reduced thus inducing satiety with small amounts. There is also a hormonal component of appetite reduction produced with this surgery since the removed portion of the stomach is responsible for production of hormone like substances regulating hunger. No other part of intestine is altered with this procedure. Sleeve gastrectomy has evolved as an independent weight loss surgery in the past 5 years from a duodenal switch procedure – a more complex malabsorptive surgery. As with other bariatric surgeries, Sleeve Gastrectomy can be performed laparoscopically.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages:

• Weight loss comparable to that of Gastric Bypass and exceeding one achievable with Adjustable Gastric Banding.
• Reduced risk of nutritional deficiencies.
• No risk of marginal ulcer or intestinal obstruction.
• No risk of Band device malfunctioning.
• Possible in patients with contraindications to Gastric Bypass or Banding.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages:

• Potential for inadequate weight loss in sweet eater, “grazers”.
• Patients with BMI>60 may need additional procedure to achieve adequate weight loss
• Potential complication with long staple line; leaks, infection.
• Potential excessive narrowing of the sleeve; stricture.