Our Summary

This research paper is about a case where a 42-year-old woman developed stomach cancer eight years after having weight loss surgery (specifically, a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). The cancer was detected using a procedure called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and the woman had to have her entire stomach removed. The cancer was a severe type that was not caused by a common stomach bacteria, Helicobacter pylori. Cases like this are rare, but the authors suggest that it might be a good idea to regularly check patients who’ve had weight loss surgery for stomach cancer, especially in Asia. They also mention that it’s easier to monitor the leftover part of the stomach in patients who’ve had a sleeve gastrectomy compared to another type of weight loss surgery called a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

FAQs

  1. What type of weight loss surgery did the 42-year-old woman have?
  2. How was the stomach cancer detected in the woman who had weight loss surgery?
  3. Is it common for patients who’ve had weight loss surgery to develop stomach cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to make sure to attend regular follow-up appointments and screenings to monitor for any potential complications or changes in health. This can help catch any issues early on and ensure proper management and treatment if needed. It’s important to stay in communication with your healthcare provider and address any concerns or symptoms promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for 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 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, patients who have not had success with other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise may also be recommended for gastric sleeve surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a suitable candidate for this type of surgery.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by a bariatric surgeon to determine if they are a candidate for weight loss surgery
  • Patient may need to undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with other healthcare providers
  • Patient may need to follow a pre-operative diet and exercise regimen to prepare for surgery
  • Patient may attend educational sessions to learn about the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative lifestyle changes

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient will be closely monitored in the hospital for complications and to ensure proper healing
  • Patient will need to follow a strict post-operative diet and gradually reintroduce solid foods
  • Patient will need to incorporate regular exercise into their routine to support weight loss and overall health
  • Patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their bariatric surgeon and other healthcare providers to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to their diet and medications
  • Patient may experience significant weight loss and improvements in obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea

In the case of the 42-year-old woman mentioned above, she experienced weight loss after her gastric sleeve surgery but developed stomach cancer eight years later. This highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and surveillance for potential complications or new health issues following weight loss surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric sleeve surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. How will my diet and eating habits need to change after the surgery?
  3. What kind of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?
  4. How often will I need to have check-ups and monitoring for potential complications?
  5. Are there any long-term health risks or complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  6. How will the surgery affect my ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins?
  7. Will I need to take any supplements or medications after the surgery?
  8. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a problem after the surgery?
  9. How can I prevent potential complications or health issues after the surgery?
  10. Is there a risk of developing stomach cancer after having gastric sleeve surgery, and what measures can be taken to monitor for this potential risk?

Reference

Authors: Yamashita T, Tan J, Lim E, Eng A, Ong HS, Chan WH. Journal: Asian J Endosc Surg. 2020 Oct;13(4):586-591. doi: 10.1111/ases.12777. Epub 2019 Dec 10. PMID: 31823477