Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
in Denver, Colorado
Overview | Goals & Risks | Candidates | How It Works |
Procedure | Preoperative Testing | Complications of Surgery | Postoperative Care | Long-term Care | Expected Outcome | Case Studies | Questions and Answers
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an alternative surgical option for morbid obesity that has become available only in the last few years, and surgeons at CBSI are experienced in performing the procedure. Due to its acceptably low complication rate, and relative ease of technical performance, the sleeve gastrectomy was initially recommended as a surgical option in the management of super-obese patients or those with a high operative risk due to extensive comorbid conditions. As experience with the technique has increased, it is now considered a primary restrictive bariatric procedure to achieve adequate weight loss and improve obesity-related illnesses.
During the procedure, stomach size is reduced to about 100-12- cc in volume and is made to be tubular in shape. The first part of the duodenum, pylorus, antrum, lesser curvature, and vagal nerve integrity are maintained, providing moderate restriction, thereby allowing relatively normal eating behavior, often without the potential for developing dumping syndrome or ulcers. Because intake of food is restricted, patients feel full after a small amount of food.
The weight loss associated with sleeve gastrectomy is projected to be about 50% of excess body weight. It is also associated with significant improvement in comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and joint pain.
Laparoscopic sleeve Gastrectomy is technically feasible in high-risk patients with significant morbidity, and also in the super-obese patients. This procedure can be performed with minor complications and low mortality.
Advantages to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy include:
- Safe option for patients who are super-obese or who may pose a high surgical risk
- No foreign body problems, such as erosion or slippage with the Lap-Band
