Our Summary

This study looked at using a tool called Endoluminal functional impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) to measure and treat a complication of weight loss surgery known as gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS). GSS is a narrowing of the stomach that can happen after sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight loss surgery. The researchers wanted to see if EndoFLIP could help determine how severe a patient’s GSS was.

They looked at data from 26 patients who had been referred for GSS symptoms. Each patient’s GSS was graded as mild, moderate, or severe by a specialist who didn’t know the EndoFLIP measurements. The patients were then treated with a procedure called pneumatic balloon dilation, which aims to widen the narrowed part of the stomach.

The results showed that EndoFLIP measurements matched well with the specialist’s grading of GSS. Patients with moderate and severe GSS needed more treatments and were more likely to be referred for another type of surgery. The study suggests that EndoFLIP could be a useful tool in diagnosing and treating GSS, but more research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What is gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS) and how is it related to weight loss surgery?
  2. What is the Endoluminal functional impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) tool and how can it be used to diagnose and treat GSS?
  3. What was the outcome of the study on using EndoFLIP measurements in diagnosing and treating patients with GSS?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to be aware of the potential complication of gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS) and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as difficulty eating, persistent vomiting, or abdominal pain. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider can help monitor for any potential issues and ensure proper treatment if needed.

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. These patients have often tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and are looking for a more permanent solution to their weight issues.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with other healthcare providers.
  • Patient may be required to follow a specific diet and exercise regimen to prepare for surgery.
  • Surgery is performed to remove a portion of the stomach and create a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach pouch.

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient typically spends 1-2 days in the hospital recovering from surgery.
  • Patient follows a liquid diet for the first few weeks after surgery, gradually transitioning to soft foods and then solid foods.
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their diet or medications.
  • Patient may experience weight loss and improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
  • Patient may also experience side effects of surgery such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Patient is encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a balanced diet to support long-term weight loss success.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS) and how common is it after gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. How can Endoluminal functional impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) help in diagnosing and treating GSS?
  3. What are the symptoms of GSS and when should I seek medical attention if I experience them?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pneumatic balloon dilation for treating GSS?
  5. How many treatments may be needed for moderate to severe cases of GSS?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for GSS?
  7. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who have undergone treatment for GSS?
  8. How can I prevent GSS from occurring after gastric sleeve surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary recommendations I should follow after experiencing GSS?
  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies investigating new treatments for GSS?

Reference

Authors: Yu JX, Evans G, Volk S, Watts L, Schulman AR. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2023 Aug;37(8):5969-5974. doi: 10.1007/s00464-023-10077-y. Epub 2023 Apr 20. PMID: 37081245