Our Summary

This study looked at unexpected tumor findings during a type of weight loss surgery called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The researchers reviewed the records of 1415 patients who underwent SG surgery between 2009 and 2014, and found that about 1.2% of these patients had incidental gastric mesenchymal tumors - tumors that were not expected and were found during surgery. The majority of these tumors were a type called GISTs. These tumors were all low grade and didn’t show signs of spreading. Patients with GISTs were generally older than the other patients. The researchers found that they could remove the tumor at the same time as the weight loss surgery without causing any problems. They recommend complete tumor removal for tumors larger than 2cm.

FAQs

  1. What is the prevalence of unexpected tumor findings during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?
  2. What type of tumors were most commonly found during the surgery?
  3. What is the recommended course of action if a tumor larger than 2cm is found during the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering gastric sleeve surgery to be aware that there is a small chance of finding unexpected tumors during the procedure. It is important to discuss this possibility with your doctor and ensure that they have a plan in place to address any unexpected findings. In most cases, these tumors can be safely removed during the surgery without causing any issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for gastric sleeve surgery typically include those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 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 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 pre-operative evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery
  • Patient may meet with a dietitian and psychologist to discuss lifestyle changes needed post-surgery
  • Patient may need to follow a specific diet and exercise regimen in preparation for the surgery
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications prior to surgery
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient is given instructions on fasting and pre-operative care

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient will stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient will follow a strict liquid diet for the first few weeks after surgery, gradually transitioning to soft foods and eventually solid foods
  • Patient will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor progress and adjust diet and exercise as needed
  • Patient will likely experience rapid weight loss in the first few months post-surgery
  • Patient may experience changes in appetite and digestion, as well as improvements in obesity-related health conditions
  • Patient will need to make long-term lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and prevent complications

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery can be a life-changing procedure for patients struggling with obesity, but it requires commitment to a new way of living and ongoing support from healthcare professionals.

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 associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. How likely is it that unexpected tumors, like GISTs, may be found during the surgery?
  3. What is the likelihood of needing additional treatment or monitoring for these tumors if they are found?
  4. How will the presence of a tumor affect my recovery after surgery?
  5. Will the removal of the tumor during the surgery impact the overall success of the weight loss procedure?
  6. How frequently do unexpected tumors occur in patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery?
  7. What is the long-term outlook for patients who have had tumors removed during gastric sleeve surgery?
  8. Are there any specific symptoms or signs that I should watch for after surgery that may indicate a tumor?
  9. How will the presence of a tumor affect my weight loss progress and overall health following surgery?
  10. Are there any additional tests or screenings that I should undergo before or after surgery to check for tumors or other potential complications?

Reference

Authors: Crouthamel MR, Kaufman JA, Billing JP, Billing PS, Landerholm RW. Journal: Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2015 Sep-Oct;11(5):1025-8. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2015.06.004. Epub 2015 Jun 10. PMID: 26645488