Our Summary
The research paper discusses obesity, which is a dangerous lifestyle disease that can increase the risk of cancer. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a surgery that has become extremely popular worldwide as a treatment for obesity. The study examines whether each tissue removed during this surgery needs to be examined under a microscope, which can be costly for healthcare providers.
The researchers studied patients who underwent LSG. Before the surgery, they conducted tests to rule out cancer. After the surgery, the removed tissue was visually inspected and then examined under a microscope. Of 115 cases, the surgeon identified potential issues in 5 cases, and the microscopic examination confirmed this in 3 out of 5 cases. In 110 cases, the surgeon said the tissue looked normal, and this was confirmed by the pathologist in 109 cases. In one case, a small growth was found.
The study concluded that visually inspecting the tissue and the area around the surgery in patients who had no pre-surgery signs of issues is a very good method to identify potential problems. This method could be used as a screening test for unexpected problems in patients having weight-loss surgery and could eliminate the need for costly microscopic examination.
FAQs
- What is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) and why is it popular?
- Do tissues removed during a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) need to be examined under a microscope after the surgery?
- Can visual inspection of the tissue and the area around the surgery replace the need for microscopic examination?
Doctor’s Tip
If you have undergone gastric sleeve surgery, it is important to follow up with your doctor regularly and pay attention to any changes or symptoms you may experience. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to ensure the success of the surgery in the long term. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
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 Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have usually tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success and are motivated to make a lifestyle change. It is important for patients to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
Timeline
Before the gastric sleeve surgery, patients typically undergo a series of tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include consultations with a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other healthcare professionals to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for the surgery.
After the surgery, patients will typically spend a few days in the hospital recovering before being discharged. They will be prescribed pain medication and given instructions on how to care for their incision sites. Patients will also be advised on dietary changes and restrictions to help them adjust to their new stomach size and promote weight loss.
In the weeks and months following the surgery, patients will gradually introduce solid foods back into their diet and will work closely with a dietitian to establish a healthy eating plan. They will also be encouraged to incorporate regular exercise into their routine to support their weight loss goals.
Over time, patients can expect to see significant weight loss and improvements in their overall health and well-being. The gastric sleeve surgery can help patients achieve long-term weight loss success and reduce their risk of obesity-related health complications.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- Do I have any risk factors for complications following gastric sleeve surgery?
- What steps will be taken to ensure that the tissue removed during the surgery is thoroughly examined for any abnormalities?
- How will you determine if further microscopic examination of the removed tissue is necessary?
- What signs or symptoms should I look out for after the surgery that may indicate a potential issue with the tissue removed?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my progress and check for any complications?
- Are there any alternative methods of examining the removed tissue that may be less invasive or costly?
Reference
Authors: Walędziak M, Różańska-Walędziak A, Janik MR, Paśnik KW, Kowalewski PK. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Jan;29(1):28-31. doi: 10.1007/s11695-018-3485-4. PMID: 30187420