Definition: What is Gastric Sleeve ?
Being overweight is a very common health issue. Obesity can cause many health diseases in a lot of cases. Sometimes losing weight is not an aesthetic option. It is a must.
When obesity becomes a real problem, plastic surgery might be a great option to prevent health issues for the patient. Gastric Sleeve is a weight loss surgery for people who need to lose a great amount of weight.
Gastric Sleeve surgery, also known as gastrectomy, is a practice developed in the late 80’s, by the American doctor Doug Hess. One of most used bariatric surgeries to treat the cases of extreme obesity and weight loss problems. Representing a definitive and irreversible solution.
This procedure is very similar to the approach of the gastric bypass, yet the difference resides in the result achieved after the surgery.
Gastric Sleeve is the total removal of almost 90% of the stomach. Leaving it in the shape of a sleeve or a banana-shaped tube that will now act as a replacement to the stomach.
This procedure is done in order to restrict the amount of food and nutrients consumed by the patient by removing the “hunger hormone”, also known as the ghrelin, which is responsible for the sensation of hunger.
Recommended for patients that have a BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeding 40 and have too much weight for the gastric bypass.
So basically, after a sleeve gastrectomy, you feel less hungry, and when you do, you will only be able to eat small quantities of food.
What are the types of Gastric Sleeve Procedures ?
Traditional Gastric Sleeve
The traditional gastric sleeve procedure involves removing approximately 75-85% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow tube or sleeve-shaped stomach.
This type of sleeve surgery is irreversible and is typically performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times.
Patients can expect to lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first two years post-surgery.
Mini Gastric Sleeve
A mini gastric sleeve, also known as a one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), is a variation of the traditional gastric sleeve that involves creating a smaller stomach pouch with a single anastomosis to the small intestine.
This procedure is less invasive than the traditional sleeve and offers similar weight loss results with a lower risk of complications.
Mini gastric sleeve patients can experience significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Sleeve Gastrectomy with Loop Duodenoileostomy (SG-LDI)
SG-LDI is a modified version of the gastric sleeve procedure that includes an additional step of creating a loop duodenoileostomy to enhance weight loss outcomes.
This technique allows for better absorption of nutrients and hormones in the digestive tract, resulting in improved metabolic effects and sustained weight loss. SG-LDI is particularly beneficial for patients with severe obesity or metabolic disorders.
Single-Incision Gastric Sleeve
The single-incision gastric sleeve is a cutting-edge approach to sleeve gastrectomy that involves performing the entire surgery through a single small incision in the abdomen, typically located near the belly button.
This technique offers improved cosmetic outcomes, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery. Single-incision gastric sleeve patients can achieve significant weight loss and enjoy a quicker return to normal activities.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical alternative to traditional gastric sleeve surgery that involves using an endoscope to reduce the size of the stomach.
During the procedure, sutures are placed in the stomach to create a smaller, banana-shaped pouch, limiting food intake and promoting weight loss.
ESG is less invasive than surgery and offers rapid recovery with minimal risk of complications, making it an attractive option for patients seeking a less invasive weight loss solution.
Robotic Gastric Sleeve
Robotic gastric sleeve surgery utilizes advanced robotic technology to assist surgeons in performing precise, minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy procedures.
The robotic system offers enhanced visualization, dexterity, and control, allowing for more accurate surgical maneuvers and better outcomes for patients. Robotic gastric sleeve surgery results in smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common type of gastric sleeve procedure performed worldwide. It involves using a laparoscope and specialized instruments to remove a portion of the stomach and create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch.
LSG is highly effective in promoting weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Patients undergoing LSG can expect significant and sustained weight loss with long-term health benefits.
Revisional Gastric Sleeve
Revisional gastric sleeve surgery is performed to modify or correct complications or inadequate weight loss following a previous sleeve gastrectomy or other weight loss procedure.
This type of surgery may involve resizing the stomach pouch, adjusting the gastric sleeve, or converting to a different bariatric procedure to achieve optimal weight loss outcomes. Revisional gastric sleeve surgery requires careful evaluation and planning by an experienced bariatric surgeon to ensure safety and efficacy.
Gastric Sleeve Plication
Gastric sleeve plication, also known as laparoscopic gastric imbrication, is a restrictive weight loss procedure that involves folding and suturing the stomach to reduce its size and capacity. Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve plication does not involve removing a portion of the stomach.
Instead, the stomach is folded inward and secured with sutures, creating a smaller, tubular shape. This minimally invasive procedure offers significant weight loss and metabolic improvements with fewer risks and complications.
Gastric Sleeve with Pouch Resizing
Gastric sleeve with pouch resizing is a revisional procedure performed to adjust the size of the stomach pouch created during a previous sleeve gastrectomy. In some cases, the initial sleeve may stretch over time, leading to inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Gastric sleeve with pouch resizing involves reducing the size of the stomach pouch to enhance restriction and promote sustained weight loss. This procedure may be recommended for patients who have not achieved their desired weight loss goals with a standard gastric sleeve or who have experienced pouch dilation over time.
Benefits of Each Type
Traditional Gastric Sleeve :
Significant and sustained weight loss, improvement in obesity-related health conditions, minimal risk of complications.
Mini Gastric Sleeve :
Effective weight loss, lower risk of complications, improvement in metabolic health.
Sleeve Gastrectomy with Loop Duodenoileostomy (SG-LDI) :
Enhanced weight loss outcomes, improved metabolic effects, sustained weight loss.
Single-Incision Gastric Sleeve :
Improved cosmetic outcomes, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) :
Non-surgical option, rapid recovery, minimal risk of complications.
Robotic Gastric Sleeve :
Precise surgery, smaller incisions, faster recovery.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) :
Most common and effective procedure, significant weight loss, improvement in obesity-related health conditions.
Revisional Gastric Sleeve :
Correction of complications, optimization of weight loss outcomes.
Gastric Sleeve Plication :
Minimally invasive, significant weight loss, fewer risks.
Gastric Sleeve with Pouch Resizing :
Adjustment of stomach pouch size, enhanced weight loss, prevention of weight regain.
How to prepare for a Gastric Sleeve procedure ?
Preoperative Consultation :
Before undergoing a Gastric Sleeve procedure, patients typically undergo a thorough preoperative consultation with their bariatric surgeon.
During this consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery.
This is also an opportunity for patients to ask questions and address any concerns they may have about the procedure.
Medical Evaluation :
A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential to ensure that the patient is in good overall health and a suitable candidate for Gastric Sleeve surgery.
This may include blood tests, imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound, and other diagnostic tests to assess the patient's cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic health. The surgeon may also evaluate the patient's psychological readiness for surgery and discuss any necessary lifestyle changes.
Nutritional Counseling :
Nutritional counseling is an integral part of the preparation process for Gastric Sleeve surgery. Patients are typically required to meet with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to receive personalized dietary guidance and education.
This may include recommendations for preoperative weight loss, dietary modifications to optimize surgical outcomes, and instructions for postoperative nutrition and hydration.
Smoking Cessation:
Smoking cessation is strongly recommended before undergoing Gastric Sleeve surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, including delayed wound healing, infection, and pulmonary complications.
Patients who smoke are typically advised to quit smoking several weeks before surgery to minimize these risks and improve surgical outcomes.
Medication Management :
Patients may need to adjust their medication regimen before undergoing Gastric Sleeve surgery. This may include discontinuing certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during surgery, as well as starting or adjusting medications to manage underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
It is important for patients to follow their surgeon's recommendations regarding medication management to optimize safety and efficacy.
Preoperative Diet :
In the weeks leading up to Gastric Sleeve surgery, patients are often placed on a preoperative diet to reduce liver size and facilitate surgical access.
This typically involves consuming a low-calorie, high-protein diet to promote weight loss and improve liver function. Following the preoperative diet as prescribed by the surgeon or dietitian can help minimize surgical risks and enhance recovery outcomes.
Lifestyle Modifications :
Patients are encouraged to make lifestyle modifications before undergoing Gastric Sleeve surgery to optimize their overall health and well-being.
This may include adopting a regular exercise routine, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress. Making these changes before surgery can improve surgical outcomes and support long-term weight loss success.
Support System :
Building a strong support system is crucial for success before, during, and after Gastric Sleeve surgery.
This may involve enlisting the support of family members, friends, or support groups who can provide encouragement, guidance, and emotional support throughout the surgical journey. Having a reliable support system in place can help patients navigate the challenges of weight loss surgery and maintain long-term lifestyle changes.
Financial Planning :
Patients should also consider the financial aspects of Gastric Sleeve surgery and plan accordingly. This may include verifying insurance coverage, understanding out-of-pocket costs, and budgeting for any additional expenses related to surgery, such as nutritional supplements, follow-up appointments, and support services. Financial planning can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth surgical experience.
Preoperative Instructions :
Finally, patients will receive specific preoperative instructions from their surgical team to follow in the days leading up to Gastric Sleeve surgery.
These instructions may include guidelines for fasting, hydration, medication management, and personal hygiene. It is essential for patients to carefully adhere to these instructions to ensure a safe and successful surgical outcome.
Procedure : How is Gastric Sleeve performed in Egypt ?
Before taking the surgery, the patient is given a treatment for a period of time in order to prepare the body for what comes next. Several medical checkups and lab exams might be required by the surgeon to increase the procedure's success.
The doctor might also prescribe a specific diet and a minimum of physical activities, ensuring a good eating habit as the body prepares for the surgery.
During the surgery, a long tube is inserted through the throat to reach the stomach in order to calibrate and facilitate the manipulation during the procedure. After which, cuts and incisions are made in the abdomen to uncover the stomach.
Once the area is visible, the surgeon divides the stomach using an automatic tool, cutting and stapling simultaneously. After which, the large divided portion of the stomach will be removed.
Finally, the surgeon performs suturing on the incisions to completely seal the opened area.
The gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts around two hours.
Recovery : What to expect after a Gastric Sleeve in Egypt ?
Since the procedure is based on the removal of the stomach, the question that rises is “can someone live without a stomach? To tell it short, yes you can.
After the gastric sleeve or gastrectomy, the patient will have a very uncomfortable feeling for a short time. But don’t worry, the pain is reduced by the injecting painkillers, as well as anticoagulants to avoid phlebitis.
During the recovery period, the doctor will prescribe a diet consisting mostly of very soft food and liquids in order to make it easy for the new stomach to process the intakes. This will last for a few days before getting back, at a very slow pace, to a relatively normal diet.
If you have a job, it might be wise to take a few weeks off to recover. Even so, the strenuous physical activities are restricted for the next few months after the surgery.
Any complication or unnatural pain, a visit to the doctor is the best option to avoid further health issues.
Results : What results will I see after a Gastric Sleeve in Egypt ?
After a gastric sleeve, in the few next months, the patient will notice a major weight loss. Depending on the patient, it can reach up to 35 Kg.
The eating habits might change also, since the food consumed will be greatly reduced. And without a hunger hormone, the appetite will not be a problem.
Price : How much does it cost to get a Gastric Sleeve in Egypt ?
To obtain the price gastric sleeve Egypt, ask for a free quote or contact us by phone for more information.
What are the risks of a Gastric Sleeve surgery
Bleeding :
Bleeding is a common risk during and after Gastric Sleeve surgery. While surgeons take precautions to minimize bleeding during the procedure, some patients may experience bleeding from the surgical site or internal bleeding postoperatively.
This risk is typically managed with careful monitoring and, in rare cases, may require additional medical intervention such as blood transfusion or surgical revision.
Infection :
Infection is another potential risk following Gastric Sleeve surgery. Despite strict sterile techniques and antibiotic prophylaxis, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site or in the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of infection may include fever, redness, swelling, pain, or drainage at the incision site. Prompt medical attention is necessary to diagnose and treat infections effectively.
Leakage :
Gastric leak is a serious complication that can occur after sleeve gastrectomy. It involves the leakage of gastric contents from the staple line or suture line along the newly created stomach sleeve.
This can lead to peritonitis, sepsis, and other life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Surgeons employ various techniques to minimize the risk of leakage, including proper staple line reinforcement and intraoperative leak testing.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) :
Some patients may develop or experience worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after undergoing Gastric Sleeve surgery.
This occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. GERD can usually be managed with lifestyle modifications, medication, or, in severe cases, revisional surgery.
Stricture :
Stricture refers to the narrowing of the stomach outlet, which can occur as a complication of Gastric Sleeve surgery.
This can lead to difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and food intolerance. Strictures may require endoscopic dilation or surgical intervention to widen the narrowed area and restore normal gastric function.
Dumping Syndrome :
Dumping syndrome is a common complication following Gastric Sleeve surgery, characterized by rapid gastric emptying and the rapid entry of food into the small intestine.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, weakness, and dizziness. Dumping syndrome can often be managed with dietary modifications, such as avoiding high-sugar foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Nutritional Deficiencies :
Gastric Sleeve surgery can lead to nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake and decreased absorption of nutrients.
Common deficiencies may include vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D deficiencies. Patients are typically advised to take nutritional supplements and undergo regular monitoring of their nutrient levels to prevent and manage deficiencies effectively.