Our Summary

This research paper discusses the link between obesity, a type of weight loss surgery called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and stomach cancer. Obesity is known to increase the risk of several types of cancer, including those in the esophagus and upper part of the stomach. However, obesity isn’t tied to distal gastric cancer, which affects the lower part of the stomach.

The paper presents a rare case of a young woman developing non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, a type of stomach cancer, 63 months after having LSG. She was the fifth such case reported in medical literature.

The researchers also provided some statistics from these five cases: the average age at the time of cancer diagnosis was 47 years, the average body mass index (BMI) prior to the surgery was 47 kg/m2, the BMI at the time of cancer diagnosis was 32 kg/m2, and the average time between the surgery and cancer diagnosis was 54 months.

Despite these findings, the paper concludes that the link between LSG and the risk of stomach cancer is still unclear and further discussion is needed.

FAQs

  1. What is the link between obesity and gastric cancer?
  2. What is the average time between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and the diagnosis of non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma?
  3. What was the median age and body mass index of patients at the time of gastric cancer diagnosis after undergoing LSG?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to continue to attend regular follow-up appointments and screenings for gastric cancer, as there may be a potential risk associated with the procedure. It is important to monitor any changes in symptoms or overall health to ensure early detection and treatment if needed. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight management post-surgery can also help reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended gastric sleeve surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, patients who have tried other weight loss methods without success may also be candidates for gastric sleeve surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual risk factors and health goals with a healthcare provider to determine if gastric sleeve surgery is the right option for them.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve:

  • Patient struggles with obesity and associated health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea
  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider and undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine eligibility for bariatric surgery
  • Patient receives counseling on the risks and benefits of gastric sleeve surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as dietary changes and psychological evaluations

After gastric sleeve:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery
  • Patient experiences significant weight loss in the months following surgery
  • Patient may need to make further dietary and lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss
  • Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any complications
  • In rare cases, such as the one mentioned in the study, patient may develop non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma several years after surgery, prompting further medical treatment and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the risk of developing gastric cancer after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. Are there any specific symptoms or warning signs of gastric cancer that I should be aware of?
  3. How often should I have follow-up screenings or tests to monitor for gastric cancer post-surgery?
  4. Are there any lifestyle or dietary changes I should make to reduce my risk of gastric cancer after gastric sleeve surgery?
  5. Are there any specific factors in my medical history or anatomy that may increase my risk of developing gastric cancer after gastric sleeve surgery?
  6. Are there any additional precautions or measures I should take to protect against gastric cancer following gastric sleeve surgery?
  7. What is the prognosis for patients who develop gastric cancer after gastric sleeve surgery?
  8. Are there any specific treatment options or considerations for gastric cancer in patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery?

Reference

Authors: Muamar AS, Ammori BJ. Journal: Asian J Endosc Surg. 2021 Apr;14(2):262-266. doi: 10.1111/ases.12850. Epub 2020 Aug 18. PMID: 32812366