Our Summary

This study looked at a specific complication that can occur after a type of weight loss surgery called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, where a large portion of the stomach is removed. This complication is a twisting of the remaining stomach, which can block it and cause symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain.

The research team went back over the medical records of all patients who had had this kind of surgery at their hospital between 2005 and 2015. They found that about 2.3% of these patients developed symptoms of a blocked stomach. Of these, about half were found to have a twisted stomach.

The main treatment for this complication was using an endoscope (a long flexible tube with a camera on the end) to either place a stent in the stomach to keep it open, or to inflate a balloon in the stomach to stretch it. This was successful in 95.5% of patients. Some patients needed repeated treatments, but more than half were fine after just one treatment. In a few cases where the endoscopic treatments didn’t work, the patients had to have more surgery to fix the problem.

In summary, most patients who develop a twisted stomach after weight loss surgery can be treated effectively with a relatively simple endoscopic procedure. Only a few need additional surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is a common complication that can occur after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?
  2. What is the main treatment for a twisted stomach after weight loss surgery?
  3. What percentage of patients required additional surgery after the endoscopic procedure was unsuccessful?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to be aware of the potential complication of a twisted stomach and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly after surgery to monitor for any potential issues and to address them promptly if they arise. Adhering to post-operative guidelines and attending follow-up appointments can help ensure the best possible outcome after gastric sleeve surgery.

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. Patients who have not been successful with other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise may also be recommended for gastric sleeve surgery. It is important for patients to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a good candidate for this type of surgery.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations with doctors and specialists to determine if they are a good candidate for the surgery. They may also need to undergo various tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and readiness for the procedure.

After the surgery, the patient will likely spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. They will be placed on a liquid diet for a period of time 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 and lifestyle.

In the months following the surgery, the patient will likely experience significant weight loss as a result of the reduced stomach size and changes in eating habits. They may also experience improvements in obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery can be a life-changing procedure for many patients, helping them to achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric sleeve surgery:

  1. What are the potential complications of gastric sleeve surgery, including the risk of a twisted stomach?
  2. How common is a twisted stomach after gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. What are the symptoms of a twisted stomach and when should I seek medical attention?
  4. How is a twisted stomach diagnosed and treated?
  5. What is the success rate of endoscopic treatments for a twisted stomach?
  6. Are there any factors that may increase my risk of developing a twisted stomach after surgery?
  7. What can I do to reduce my risk of developing this complication?
  8. What should I expect in terms of recovery and follow-up care after gastric sleeve surgery?
  9. Are there any warning signs or red flags that I should watch out for after surgery?
  10. What are the long-term implications of a twisted stomach and how will it affect my weight loss journey?

Reference

Authors: Abd Ellatif ME, Abbas A, El Nakeeb A, Magdy A, Salama AF, Bashah MM, Dawoud I, Gamal MA, Sargsyan D. Journal: Obes Surg. 2017 Sep;27(9):2404-2409. doi: 10.1007/s11695-017-2649-y. PMID: 28361494