Gastric sleeve
The gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery designed to promote weight loss. By reducing the size of the stomach, this procedure restricts calorie intake and reduces hunger signals. The risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery are generally lower than the health risks linked to obesity and its related conditions. This surgery is intended to assist individuals with severe obesity in achieving meaningful weight loss, which can lead to improvements or even resolution of various obesity-related diseases.
About Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to assist people with severe obesity in achieving weight loss. During the surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped stomach that resembles a banana. This smaller stomach can hold less food, which helps individuals feel full after consuming smaller portions. Additionally, gastric sleeve surgery has been shown to have lower complication rates compared to other common surgeries, such as gallbladder removal and hip replacement.
Procedure of Gastric Sleeve
The majority of gastric sleeve surgeries are performed using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. Instead of creating a large incision to open the abdomen, the surgeon operates through small incisions.
Here’s an overview of the process:
- The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a port.
- Carbon dioxide gas is pumped through the port to expand the abdominal cavity.
- A laparoscope equipped with a camera is inserted through the port. This camera projects the internal view onto a screen for the surgeon to see.
- Through one to three additional small incisions, the surgeon inserts additional tools.
- The surgeon measures the portion of the stomach to remain, then divides and removes the rest using a surgical stapler, forming the smaller “sleeve.”
This minimally invasive technique allows for a quicker recovery and reduced postoperative complications.