Our Summary
This study looks at a condition called gastric twist, which is when the stomach twists after a certain type of weight loss surgery called a sleeve gastrectomy. This can cause ongoing issues like heartburn and difficulty tolerating food. The researchers are proposing a way to classify how severe the twist is.
They looked at over 2,700 patients who had the surgery and found that only about 1.6% of them had a gastric twist. They then classified the severity of the twist into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild meant the stomach rotation was slight and didn’t really affect the stomach’s opening. Moderate meant the twist caused a narrowing that required some extra steps to fix. Severe meant the twist was so bad that it blocked the stomach opening completely.
Most of the patients were women around the age of 39. The majority of the twists were mild and didn’t cause any symptoms. Some patients did have symptoms, though, with vomiting being the most common.
They didn’t find any link between the severity of the twist and the presence of symptoms or inflammation of the esophagus. The researchers conclude that gastric twist is rare and usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Their proposed classification system wasn’t linked to how patients felt or other clinical findings, but it does provide a starting point for future research.
FAQs
- What is gastric twist and how does it occur?
- What are the different levels of severity for a gastric twist after a sleeve gastrectomy?
- Did the study find any correlation between the severity of the gastric twist and symptoms or inflammation of the esophagus?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to be aware of the potential risk of gastric twist and to seek medical attention if they experience persistent heartburn, difficulty tolerating food, or unexplained vomiting after the surgery. It’s important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly and communicate any new or concerning symptoms they may be experiencing.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for a gastric sleeve surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 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 a gastric sleeve surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a good candidate for the surgery.
Timeline
Before gastric sleeve surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations with a healthcare provider to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They may also receive counseling on diet and lifestyle changes to prepare for the surgery.
After the surgery, the patient will have a recovery period where they will need to follow a strict liquid diet for a few weeks before gradually transitioning to solid foods. They will also need to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their diet or medications.
In the case of gastric twist, the patient may experience symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty tolerating food, and vomiting. If these symptoms persist, the healthcare provider may recommend further tests, such as imaging studies, to determine the severity of the twist and decide on the appropriate course of treatment.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric sleeve and the risk of gastric twist include:
- What is gastric twist and how common is it after gastric sleeve surgery?
- What are the symptoms of gastric twist and how can it be diagnosed?
- Are there any factors that may increase my risk of developing gastric twist?
- How can gastric twist be treated if it does occur?
- Are there any steps I can take to prevent gastric twist after my surgery?
- What is the proposed classification system for gastric twist severity and how does it impact treatment options?
- How often should I follow up with my doctor after surgery to monitor for potential complications like gastric twist?
- Are there any warning signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate gastric twist?
- How does gastric twist compare to other potential complications of gastric sleeve surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary modifications that can help reduce the risk of gastric twist following surgery?
Reference
Authors: Siqueira LT, Santa-Cruz F, Pontual JP, Aquino MAR, Dompieri LT, Kreimer F, Ferraz ÁAB. Journal: Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2022 Jun 24;35:e1665. doi: 10.1590/0102-672020210002e1665. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35766610