Our Summary

This paper looks at a complication that can arise after a type of weight loss surgery called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This complication, called gastric stenosis (GS), involves a narrowing or blockage of the stomach, which can be either due to a physical obstruction or a functional issue like the stomach twisting. The researchers studied patients who had this surgery between 2008 and 2014 and developed symptoms of GS. They found that out of 1210 patients, 17 (1.4%) experienced GS. The average time between the surgery and the diagnosis of GS was 47.2 days. The majority of patients were successfully treated with a procedure that involved using a balloon to widen the narrow area, with a small number needing a stent (a tube to hold the area open) or a different type of surgery. The researchers concluded that while GS is a rare complication, it’s important to have a standard way to deal with it, and most cases can be treated with the balloon procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is gastric stenosis (GS) and how does it relate to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)?
  2. How often does gastric stenosis occur following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?
  3. What are the treatment options for gastric stenosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to be mindful of symptoms of gastric stenosis, such as persistent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur after surgery, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and potential treatment. Early detection and intervention can help prevent complications and ensure successful outcomes after gastric sleeve surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastric sleeve surgery are individuals 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 often tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success and may benefit from the surgical intervention to help them lose weight and improve their overall health. 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.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a series of medical evaluations, tests, and consultations with healthcare providers to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  • Patient may be required to make lifestyle changes, such as following a specific diet and exercise regimen, in preparation for surgery.
  • Patient attends pre-operative counseling sessions to understand the risks and benefits of the surgery and set realistic expectations.

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a period of recovery in the hospital, typically lasting 1-2 days.
  • Patient follows a strict post-operative diet plan, gradually transitioning from clear liquids to solid foods over several weeks.
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor weight loss progress, address any complications, and make necessary adjustments to diet and exercise routines.
  • Patient may experience rapid weight loss in the months following surgery, with most of the weight loss occurring in the first 6-12 months.
  • Patient may experience changes in appetite, metabolism, and nutritional needs, requiring ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare providers.
  • Patient may undergo additional procedures or treatments to address any complications or side effects of the surgery, such as gastric stenosis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric sleeve surgery and potential complications like gastric stenosis include:

  1. What is gastric stenosis and how common is it after gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. What are the symptoms of gastric stenosis and how soon after surgery should I be concerned about them?
  3. How is gastric stenosis diagnosed and what tests may be needed?
  4. What are the treatment options for gastric stenosis and what is the success rate of these treatments?
  5. Are there any factors that may increase my risk of developing gastric stenosis after surgery?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor for potential complications like gastric stenosis?
  7. What can I do to reduce my risk of developing gastric stenosis after surgery?
  8. Are there any warning signs or symptoms I should watch for after surgery that may indicate a complication like gastric stenosis?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in dealing with potential complications like gastric stenosis?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary modifications I should make to prevent complications like gastric stenosis after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Rebibo L, Hakim S, Dhahri A, Yzet T, Delcenserie R, Regimbeau JM. Journal: Obes Surg. 2016 May;26(5):995-1001. doi: 10.1007/s11695-015-1883-4. PMID: 26363902