Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively new surgical option offered by the Hickory Surgical Clinic to treat morbid obesity.  Just as the Gastric Bypass and the Lap Band procedures work primarily by restricting the stomach, the Sleeve Gastrectomy also works by reducing the capacity of the stomach.

When we perform a Sleeve Gastrectomy, we re-shape the stomach by removing (excising) a portion of the stomach to create a long, tubular stomach pouch that is shaped like a sleeve.  As a result, patients who have undergone this operation should have a sense of fullness and satiety with very small meals.

When we shape the stomach pouch in this way, food can travel through the stomach and into the intestine without the need for re-routing the intestine as we do with a Gastric Bypass.  This can provide a significant advantage for super-morbidly obese patients, or for patients in whom Roux-en-Y intestinal surgery is too risky or is contraindicated.  Also, the sleeve-shaped pouch provides its restrictive effect without requiring the implantation of a device like the Gastric Band — and without the need for adjustments.  Thus, the Sleeve Gastrectomy offers some advantages over both the Gastric Bypass and the Band.

There are some potential disadvantages to consider.  With a Sleeve Gastrectomy, patients do not experience dumping syndrome as they do with a Gastric Bypass.  This eliminates the “negative feedback” effect that gastric bypass patients feel when they make poor food choices.  Also, while short-term studies on weight loss with the Sleeve Gastrectomy look promising so far, a long-term track record has not yet been firmly established.   Finally, some insurance companies (such as Medicare) may not cover this procedure.

Risks

As with any operation, there are risks associated with weight loss surgical procedures. Possible risks include, but are not limited to:

› Complications due to anesthesia and medications
› Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
› Pulmonary embolus
› Staple line leak
› Bleeding
› Possible need for an open operation
› Death

Long-term complications may also arise, particularly in patients who are not able or willing to follow the postoperative diet instructions and maintain lifelong followup with their doctor. Some possible long-term problems include:

› Inadequate weight loss
› Ulcers
› Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
› Adhesions and/or hernias
› Possible need for other procedures in the future

If you or someone you love is morbidly obese, please call us at (828) 327-9178 to get a full assessment of your condition. Weight loss surgery may be an option for you.