Name of the Procedure:

Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; longitudinal gastrectomy (commonly known as sleeve gastrectomy)

Summary

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), is a minimally invasive surgical weight-loss procedure. It involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a tubular or "sleeve"-shaped stomach, significantly reducing its size and capacity.

Purpose

Medical condition or problem it addresses: Obesity Goals/Outcomes:

• Significant long-term weight loss
• Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Morbid obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• Obesity with a BMI of 35 or higher with associated comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) Patient Criteria:
• Failed attempts at non-surgical weight-loss methods
• Clearance from a multidisciplinary evaluation including nutritional, psychological, and medical assessments

Preparation

Pre-procedure instructions:

• Fasting for a specified period, typically 8-12 hours before surgery
• Adjusting medications as per the surgeon's advice (e.g., stopping blood thinners) Diagnostic Tests:
• Blood tests, EKG, and possibly imaging studies (e.g., upper GI series) to evaluate the patient’s readiness for surgery

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. Small incisions are made in the abdomen.
3. A laparoscope (a small camera) is inserted through one of the incisions.
4. Specialized surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions.
5. Approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a banana-shaped "sleeve".
6. The remaining portion of the stomach is stapled and closed.
7. The instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape. Tools/Equipment:
   • Laparoscope
   • Surgical stapler
   • Trocar (for creating incisions) Anesthesia or Sedation:
   • General anesthesia

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 1-2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon (usually a bariatric surgeon)
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Possibly a surgical assistant

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots Rare Risks:
• Leaks from the stapled stomach edge
• Stricture or narrowing of the stomach sleeve
• Nutritional deficiencies Management:
• Close postoperative monitoring
• Possible need for additional interventions or surgery

Benefits

• Substantial weight loss within the first 1-2 years post-surgery
• Improvement or remission of obesity-related conditions
• Enhanced quality of life and physical function

Recovery

Post-procedure care:

• Hospital stay of 1-2 days
• Gradual progression from liquid diet to solid foods over several weeks Expected Recovery Time:
• Full recovery typically within 4-6 weeks Restrictions/Follow-Up:
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few weeks
• Regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and nutritional status

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Gastric bypass surgery
• Adjustable gastric banding
• Non-surgical options like diet, exercise, and medication Pros and Cons:
• Gastric bypass may offer more weight loss but with higher risk of complications
• Gastric banding is less invasive but also less effective in long-term weight loss

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and unconscious.
• After the procedure, patients may experience pain and discomfort managed with medications.
• Initial diet will be limited to liquids, gradually progressing to pureed and then solid foods.