Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare complication from a common weight-loss surgery called Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This complication, known as gastric sleeve stenosis, can occur when the stomach is either too narrow or twisted after the surgery. The researchers looked at three cases of this complication that occurred between July 1 and December 31, 2021, all of which required additional surgical intervention.

In one case, the doctors used a technique called gastropexy to attach the twisted part of the stomach to a piece of tissue in the abdomen, which helped to correct the twist. In the other two cases, the doctors created a new connection between the stomach and the small intestine to bypass the twisted section.

The researchers found that both methods were effective in treating the complication and resulted in excellent post-surgery results with the patients’ symptoms completely resolved. They concluded that the best way to handle this complication is to prevent it from happening in the first place by paying careful attention to the surgical technique during the initial weight-loss surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is gastric sleeve stenosis and when can it occur after a Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)?
  2. What methods were used by the doctors to treat gastric sleeve stenosis in the cases studied in the research?
  3. What did the researchers conclude about handling complications like gastric sleeve stenosis after a Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. This can help monitor for any potential complications, such as gastric sleeve stenosis, and address them promptly if they occur. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help optimize the results of the surgery and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for patients 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. Patients who have tried other weight loss methods without success may also be recommended for gastric sleeve surgery.

It is important for patients considering gastric sleeve surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Patients should also be committed to making lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, to ensure the success of the surgery and maintain long-term weight loss.

Timeline

Before the gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a series of consultations with a bariatric surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for the surgery.
  • Patient may be required to follow a special diet and exercise regimen to prepare for the surgery.
  • Patient undergoes the gastric sleeve surgery, which involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce its size and capacity.

After the gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover from the surgery.
  • Patient is put on a liquid diet for several weeks to allow the stomach to heal.
  • Patient slowly transitions to a pureed diet, then soft foods, and eventually solid foods.
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with their bariatric surgeon to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their diet or medications.
  • Patient may experience weight loss, improved overall health, and resolution of weight-related health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is gastric sleeve stenosis and how common is it as a complication of LSG?
  2. What are the symptoms of gastric sleeve stenosis and how is it diagnosed?
  3. What are the risk factors for developing gastric sleeve stenosis?
  4. How can gastric sleeve stenosis be prevented during the initial weight-loss surgery?
  5. What are the treatment options for gastric sleeve stenosis if it does occur?
  6. What is the success rate of the treatments for gastric sleeve stenosis?
  7. What are the potential long-term effects of gastric sleeve stenosis if left untreated?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after gastric sleeve surgery to monitor for complications?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary modifications I should make to reduce my risk of developing gastric sleeve stenosis?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources on gastric sleeve stenosis and its treatment options?

Reference

Authors: Chamaa B, Mouawad C, Dahboul H, El Feghali E, Kazan D, Sleilati F. Journal: Asian J Endosc Surg. 2023 Jul;16(3):336-342. doi: 10.1111/ases.13152. Epub 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36517979