According to Centres of Disease Control and prevention (CDC), obesity is the most common disease in the united States. It is also hazardous because it leads to many other diseases like cancers, heart disease, gallbladder disease, heart stroke etc. American Obesity Association recommends treating obesity in non surgical methods, and if it does not has any effects it suggest some surgeries. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is certainly one of them.
Why Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
If the obese people (generally with BMI value more than 50) cannot get any result from the non surgical procedures, then only they are recommended to undertake this operation. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that restricts the stomach size by dividing the stomach and creating a small pouch, there by reducing the food intake. This procedure is considered to have less side effects.
Procedure of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
The technique uses special instruments which are introduced by very small incisions, this allows the treated area to be monitored on a closed circuit monitor. The whole procedure is done laproscopically and it involves 5 incisions of o.4 inch (1cm) each, this takes around 1 hour. Through these incisions a surgeon will be able to reach the stomach and, by using a special stapler a small pouch of 120cc in size is made. Remaining stomach will be removed and the gastrointestinal tract is left unaltered. Before completing the operation a ‘leak test’ is done, our stomach size is reduced drastically.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
- This surgery gives results instantly
- The patient can loose more than 60% of the excess weight with in 18 months from the operation.
- Fundus which secretes hormones responsible for hunger is removed, so hunger reduces substantially.
- The function of stomach remains constant as only the size of the stomach is changed, noting else.
- Pylorus valve that regulates the emptying of the bowl is preserved.
- As the intestine is untouched during the operation, there will be no hindrance in the absorption of minerals and vitamins
- Ideal for patients with Crohn’s disease, anemia, extensive prior surgery and other medical complications.
