Sleeve Gastrectomy involves the removal of approximately 70-80 percent of the stomach leaving a long thin tubular stomach. This procedure is generally performed laparoscopically. In complicated cases this may need to be performed as an open procedure (laparotomy).
This procedure aims to achieve weight loss and comorbidity improvement by several mechanisms.
Firstly, through a restrictive mechanism. The new smaller stomach tube holds a smaller volume (about ½ - 1 cup) than the original stomach and helps to reduce the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed.
The greater impact, however, seems to be the effect the surgery has on gut hormones that impact a number of factors including hunger, satiety, and glycaemic control.
There is evidence to suggest the sleeve, similar to the gastric bypass, is effective in type 2 diabetes improvement/remission.
Restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold reducing portion sizes.
Allows for fewer food intolerances than the gastric band.
Induces rapid and significant weight loss. You can expect to lose between 55% and 78% of your excess weight in the first 12–24 months following surgery.
Requires no re-routing of the intestinal tract (bypass).
Involves a relatively short hospital stay of approximately 2 days.
Causes favourable changes in gut hormones that suppress hunger, reduce appetite and improve satiety.
It is a non-reversible procedure
Has a potential for long-term vitamin deficiencies (less with the gastric sleeve as compared to the gastric bypass), thus requiring ongoing vitamin supplement intake. is a non-reversible procedure
Complications such as gastric staple line leak can be potentially difficult to manage.
May potentially induce oesophageal gastric reflux disease or worsening of the symptoms.
Data on long-term outcomes are lacking (>10years)
Gall stones due to rapid weight loss.