Our Summary

This research paper is about a case of a premature newborn baby boy who was 27 weeks old and suffered from a condition called Neonatal gastric perforation (NGP). This condition can happen spontaneously, as a result of another disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or due to a blockage in the digestive tract.

The baby was found to have air in his abdominal cavity, a condition called pneumoperitoneum. During surgery, doctors found a single hole in his stomach, which they repaired. They also performed a procedure called gastrostomy, which involves creating an artificial opening in the stomach for nutritional support or to relieve pressure.

However, five days after the operation, doctors found air in his abdominal cavity again. During a second operation, they discovered multiple holes on the larger curve of his stomach. To treat this, doctors removed a portion of his stomach in a procedure called sleeve gastrectomy. Fortunately, the baby responded well to the treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is Neonatal Gastric Perforation (NGP)?
  2. What is the treatment for multiple gastric perforations in neonates?
  3. What are the possible causes of Neonatal Gastric Perforation (NGP)?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to follow a strict post-operative diet plan to ensure proper healing and successful weight loss. This may include gradually introducing soft foods, avoiding certain foods that may cause discomfort or complications, and staying hydrated. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to develop a personalized plan that meets your individual needs and goals.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a gastric sleeve procedure are those who are severely obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. These patients have often tried other weight loss methods without success and are looking for a long-term solution to improve their health and quality of life. Additionally, patients who have difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone may also be candidates for a gastric sleeve procedure.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve:

  • Patient may have struggled with obesity for an extended period of time
  • Patient may have tried various diets and exercise regimens without long-term success
  • Patient may have undergone counseling and medical evaluations to determine if gastric sleeve is the best option for them
  • Patient may have attended nutritional counseling sessions to prepare for surgery
  • Patient may have undergone pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery

After gastric sleeve:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove a portion of the stomach and create a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient will be on a liquid diet for a period of time before gradually transitioning to solid foods
  • Patient will need to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to their diet and lifestyle
  • Patient will likely experience significant weight loss in the months and years following surgery
  • Patient will need to make long-term changes to their diet and exercise habits to maintain their weight loss and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a gastric sleeve and how does it work?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after gastric sleeve surgery?
  4. What dietary changes will I need to make after gastric sleeve surgery?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  6. What can I expect in terms of weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of with a gastric sleeve?
  8. What are the signs and symptoms of gastric perforation that I should be aware of post-surgery?
  9. How will you monitor me for any potential complications after gastric sleeve surgery?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after gastric sleeve surgery?

Reference

Authors: Reyna-Sepulveda F. Journal: J Neonatal Surg. 2017 Jan 1;6(1):10. doi: 10.21699/jns.v5i3.355. eCollection 2017 Jan-Mar. PMID: 28083496