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Facts & Risks - Gastric Sleeve
Some Facts about the Sleeve Gastrectomy
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Alternative Names
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, greater curvature gastrectomy, parietal gastrectomy, gastric reduction and vertical gastroplasty.
Surgery for High BMI Patients
For patients with a particularly high body mass index (typically 50+) many forms of weight loss surgery are either difficult to perform or present increased risk. As a result, a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (or increasingly a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) is sometimes performed as the first of a two-part weight loss solution to provide an initial drop in weight which then makes other bariatric follow up possible at a reduced level of risk.
Surgery for Low BMI Patients
For obese patients with a relatively low body mass index the vertical sleeve gastrectomy can also prove a good choice, especially where existing conditions (such as anemia or Crohn's disease) prevent them from having other forms of bariatric surgery. In addition, patients may choose this form of surgery if they are concerned about the long-term affects of bypass surgery or object to having a 'foreign' body implanted into their body, as is the case with lap band surgery.
Advantages of the Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Although the stomach is reduced in size and the amount of food which can be eaten is restricted, the stomach otherwise functions normally.
- The major part of the stomach which produces hormones responsible for stimulating hunger is removed from the digestive system.
- The problem of dumping is avoided as the pylorus is retained.
- Minimizes the possibility of the patient developing ulcers.
- Avoids the problems associated with bypass forms of weight loss surgery including anemia, intestinal obstruction or blockage, osteoporosis and protein and vitamin deficiency.
- Provides a solution for patients with conditions which place them at an unacceptably high risk from other forms of bariatric surgery.
- Provides a laparoscopic solution to patients with a particularly high body mass index (BMI).
Disadvantages of the Sleeve Gastrectomy
- As this form of surgery does not provide any element of gastric bypass some patients may experience a disappointing weight loss or weight regain.
- High BMI patients will often require follow-up weight loss surgery to achieve their goal. Although this may be seen as a disadvantage by some patients, in many cases, this two procedure option not only produces the results that the patient wants but may also provide a lower overall risk for the patient. This is something which need to de discussed with your physician.
- Patients can slow weight loss if they do not stick to a strict diet following this form of surgery.
- Complications may occur as the result of stomach stapling.
- The procedure is not reversible as part of the stomach is permanently removed. It should be remembered though that the sleeve gastrectomy can be extended at a later date if required by performing additional bypass surgery.
The Risks and Complications of the Sleeve Gastrectomy
As with all forms of weight loss surgery, the vertical gastrectomy does carry risk and these will clearly vary from one patient to the next and must be discussed with your physician. Complications might include:
- Gastric leakage and fistula 1.0%
- Deep vein thrombosis 0.5%
- Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5%
- Post-operative bleeding 0.5%
- Splenectomy 0.5%
- Acute respiratory distress 0.25%
- Pneumonia 0.2%
- Death 0.25%
[Last update: 13th November 2008]
