Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure reduces the stomach volume by stapling and dividing the stomach vertically, removing approximately 85% of the organ. The remaining portion of the stomach resembles a very narrow “sleeve”. The stomach nerves and the pylorus remain in tact, allowing the stomach function to be uninterrupted, while at the same time greatly reducing its volume. Much of the upper portion of the stomach, which is responsible for producing the hunger hormone ghrelin, is removed.

Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• No foreign body implants.
• Restricts the amount of food that can be ingested at one time.
• Helps control hunger due to removal of the upper part of the stomach.
• Digestion occurs normally since there is no “bypass”.
• This procedure may be safer for the extremely morbidly obese patient and those suffering from numerous health risks.

Disadvantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• This is a relatively new procedure.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy is non-reversible.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy is not adjustable.