Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is the process of turning the stomach into a tube (pipe) with a surgical method. We see that almost all organs included in the digestive system are tubular. Intestines, oesophagus etc. The stomach, on the other hand, is exceptionally shaped like a sac to hold more food and act as a warehouse. With surgical intervention, a large part of the stomach is removed and it is turned into a continuation of the oesophagus and a system that continues with the intestines. In this operation, a tube or other object is not placed in the stomach. This surgery takes its name from the fact that the stomach takes the form of a tube after the operation.

In bariatric surgery, surgical methods can be used with different techniques specific to the person. One of the most used methods is sleeve gastrectomy surgery. At the beginning of the most common questions asked by those interested in the topic is “How is sleeve gastrectomy surgery done?”, “How is sleeve gastrectomy surgery determined?”, “Is there a risk of sleeve gastrectomy surgery?”, “How much does sleeve gastrectomy surgery cost?” What should I do after the surgery?”, “Is gastric sleeve surgery risky?”.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?

Sleeve gastrectomy is the process of turning the stomach into a tube (pipe) with a surgical method. We see that almost all organs included in the digestive system are tubular. Intestines, oesophagus etc. The stomach, on the other hand, is exceptionally shaped like a sac to hold more food and act as a warehouse. With surgical intervention, a large part of the stomach is removed and it is turned into a continuation of the oesophagus and a system that continues with the intestines. In this operation, a tube or other object is not placed in the stomach. This surgery takes its name from the fact that the stomach takes the form of a tube after the operation.

How is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Performed?

Tube Stomach Surgery, which is performed with the laparoscopic method, is performed by entering the person's abdomen with small incisions through 4 holes and removing approximately 80% of the stomach. In this process, the "fundus" part of the stomach, which secretes the appetite hormone (Ghrelin Hormone), is removed; Thus, the person's appetite is cut off after the surgery. In addition, due to the reduction in the volume of the stomach, food portions are also reduced. Thus, the person starts to lose weight quickly after the surgery.

How Long Does Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Take?

Gastric sleeve surgery can take about one and a half (1 hour 30 minutes) or two hours (2). Small incisions opened during the surgery need to be sutured. Gastric sleeve surgery is performed with general anaesthesia , so the patient does not feel anything during the operation. Some tests are required before sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Sometimes, a certain period is expected to wait for the patient to drop to a certain weight. After the operation, the patient may stay in the hospital for a day or two to check if there is any leakage in the stomach.

Who Can Be Applied to Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?

Gastric sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be applied to all individuals between the ages of 18-65, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40kg/m2 and above, who have tried to lose weight with other methods (diet, exercise, etc.) many times before and have not been successful.

It can also be applied to individuals with diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc. whose body mass index (BMI) is between 35-40kg/m2. For individuals with a body mass index of 35 and below, non-surgical methods such as a gastric balloon or stomach botox can be considered first. However, surgery can be considered in individuals with a body mass index of 30-35kg/m2 with serious disorders.