Gastric Sleeve
The sleeve gastrectomy is an operation in which the left side of the stomach is surgically removed. This results in a stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a narrow banana. This small banana-shaped tube or sleeve becomes the new stomach pouch and extends from the natural stomach opening (esophagus) to the natural stomach outlet (pyloric valve). Gastric Sleeve surgery helps limit eating by reducing the overall size of the stomach and helps control hunger by removing the part of the stomach that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone Ghrelin.
Since this operation does not involve any rerouting or reconnecting of the intestines, it is a simpler operation than gastric bypass. Unlike the gastric banding procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require implantation of an artificial device inside the abdomen. Short-term results show that gastric sleeve patients who had the stand-alone procedure can expect to achieve 60 to 70 percent excess weight loss at two years. Gastric Sleeve surgery may be safe for patients with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 60, and it may be used as stage one in a two-stage operation. For patients with a BMI less than 50, the weight loss results are similar to those experienced by Gastric Bypass patients.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
• Does not require disconnecting or reconnecting the intestines (no dumping syndrome)
• Preserves the pylorus (no dumping syndrome)
• Anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are minimized due to the fact there is no malabsorption of nutrients
• Only surgery that substantially removes the "hunger hormone" Ghrelin
• Simpler operation than gastric bypass surgery
• No artificial devices (band) are left inside the patient
• No need for adjustments or fills, which are required for adjustable band patients
Contact Key Bariatric Specialists today to learn more about this procedure or to schedule a gastric bypass surgery consultation at our Fort Wayne office serving Auburn, Huntington, and all of Indiana. Dr. Dale Sloan and his staff are committed to patient education, safety, and care.
Possible complications after Gastric Sleeve surgery:
As with any advanced laparoscopic surgery, complications such as bleeding or infection can occur. Problems specific to the sleeve gastrectomy surgery include stenosis or narrowing of the sleeve which usually requires endoscopic dilation to resolve—but rarely requires a second surgery. Another possible complication is leakage from the staple line. This can be a serious, though rarely life threatening problem. It may require further surgery or endoscopic procedures for resolution.
Dr. Dale Sloan uses specific techniques to minimize these possibilities and is always willing to discuss any questions you may have about the procedures.