Our Summary

The research looked at a common weight loss surgery called sleeve gastrectomy and a complication that can occur from it called gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS), which is a narrowing of the stomach. The study aimed to create a measurable system to identify GSS using three criteria: the ratio between the narrowest and widest parts of the stomach, the angle required for a medical instrument to pass through, and if there’s a pooling of bile fluid in the stomach.

The researchers reviewed data from patients who underwent a procedure to check for GSS and used a special tool, called EndoFLIP, to measure the diameter and flexibility of the stomach.

Of the 30 patients reviewed, 26 had some level of GSS. The researchers found that patients with GSS had smaller stomach diameters and less flexibility in their stomachs. They also found that patients with GSS had lower diameter ratios, meaning their stomachs were more narrow, and were more likely to have pooled bile fluid in their stomachs.

The study concluded that these criteria could be used to help diagnose GSS. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS)?
  2. How did the researchers identify and measure GSS in the study?
  3. What were the main findings of the study on gastric sleeve stenosis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to be aware of the potential complication of gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS) and to watch for symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly after surgery to monitor for any signs of GSS and to address any concerns promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle post-surgery can help reduce the risk of complications and promote successful weight loss.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastric sleeve surgery are those who are severely obese, with 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 recommended for gastric sleeve surgery.

Timeline

Before undergoing a gastric sleeve surgery, a patient typically goes through a series of evaluations and consultations with healthcare providers to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include meetings with a nutritionist, psychologist, and surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as lifestyle changes that will be necessary post-surgery.

After the surgery, which typically takes around 1-2 hours, the patient will spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. During this time, they will be on a liquid diet and slowly progress to soft foods as they heal. The patient will also be instructed on how to care for their incision sites and manage any pain or discomfort.

In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will need to adhere to a strict diet and exercise regimen to support weight loss and ensure the success of the procedure. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers will be necessary to monitor progress, address any complications, and provide ongoing support and guidance.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after gastric sleeve surgery involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring, and long-term commitment to lifestyle changes for successful weight loss and improved health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery, including gastric sleeve stenosis?
  2. How common is gastric sleeve stenosis, and what are the symptoms to watch out for?
  3. How is gastric sleeve stenosis diagnosed, and what tests or procedures may be needed to confirm it?
  4. What treatment options are available for gastric sleeve stenosis, and what is the success rate of these treatments?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions that can help prevent gastric sleeve stenosis?
  6. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled after gastric sleeve surgery to monitor for complications like gastric sleeve stenosis?
  7. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention after gastric sleeve surgery?
  8. Can additional imaging tests or procedures be done to monitor for gastric sleeve stenosis in the long term?
  9. How does gastric sleeve stenosis impact weight loss and overall health outcomes for patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors or patient characteristics that may increase the risk of developing gastric sleeve stenosis after gastric sleeve surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yu JX, Dolan RD, Bhalla S, Mazer L, Watts L, Schulman AR. Journal: Gastrointest Endosc. 2021 Jun;93(6):1344-1348. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2020.12.009. Epub 2020 Dec 13. PMID: 33316244