Sleeve gastrectomy is a standalone weight-loss surgery that is currently the most preferred type among obesity surgeries. In the sleeve gastrectomy operation, the fat tissues adhered to the stomach are separated using cutting-edge devices that simultaneously seal and cut blood vessels. Following this stage, a tube/sleeve stomach is inserted into the patient, and, guided by calibration, approximately 80% of the left side of the stomach is separated with stapling tools that apply three rows of staples. The excess stomach tissue, referred to as the trocar hole, is then taken outside the abdomen.
After conducting leak tests on the staple lines, the operation is concluded. The tube stomach operation is performed laparoscopically through five approximately one-centimeter-sized closed incisions. With the closed surgery, patients experience less pain and can return to their social lives earlier.
How Does the Tube Stomach Surgery Help with Weight Loss?
After the operation, the reduced stomach volume causes the stomach to fill with a small amount of food, and, at the same time, due to the removal of the upper part of the stomach during the surgery, patients do not experience the release of hunger-inducing hormones, leading to a lack of hunger.
What are the Advantages of This Surgery?
Tube stomach surgery is the least invasive surgery concerning the anatomy of the digestive system. The operation time and technical requirements are less than other types of surgeries, and vitamin and mineral losses are fewer compared to other surgical methods.
What are the Disadvantages of This Surgery?
There are no known short-term disadvantages to the tube stomach operation. Long-term results at the end of the 20-30 years are not yet known.
Post-Operative Period
The starting time for liquid food after the operation varies among surgeons, but typically, after an abdominal X-ray taken within the first three days’ post-operation shows no leaks, patients begin a period of drinking clear liquids. After this stage, supervised by a dietitian, patients gradually transition to solid foods.
What are the Risks of This Surgery?
Risks related to the surgical technique include:
-Opening in the staple line
-Bleeding into the abdominal cavity from the spleen or fatty tissue area
Postoperative risks include:
-Leaks and stomach edge abscesses due to opening in the staple line
-Embolism (blood clot) reaching the lungs
-Wound infections
How Can These Risks Be Prevented?
Applying the necessary technical details during surgery up to the finest detail is crucial. Also, patient-specific approaches are important. In addition, follow-up of patients and taking precautions for possible complications in the postoperative period are crucial. Teamwork is of utmost importance at this stage. With these precautions, leak rates drop to below one percent, and death rates drop to below five per thousand.
