Tube Gastrectomy or Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding :: Gastric Bypass
Bilio Pancreatic Diversion BPD :: Tube Gastrectomy :: Intragastric Balloon

Sleeve or tube gastrectomy, in its current form has been around for around eight years. Approximately outer 80% of the stomach is removed with the aid of laparoscopic staplers. The stomach is calibrated over a 36-40 F(1.5 cm wide) calibration tube inserted through the mouth into the stomach and the stapling is performed over this tube. It is performed laparoscopically and takes about 60-90 minutes. You are in hospital for 2-3 days. It is not reversible. The excess weight loss is approximately 60-70% over 12-18 months. Most of this weight loss is achieved in the first 6 months after surgery.

The general surgical risks are very similar to gastric banding as it is performed on same group of patients. The most important, two, specific risks of sleeve gastrectomy are staple line leak and bleeding from the staple line. These are in the order of 2% and 1% respectively. You are put on a modified diet for 6 weeks after surgery. After this you are gradually introduced to normal food. Generally, you are able to eat more variety of food than gastric banding patients. It is a better option for people living in remote areas as it does not require adjustments and as close a follow-up.

One disadvantage is that the stomach may stretch over time. The incidence of this is not known. It has not been an issue in the first five years after surgery. The information given above is for sleeve gastrectomy in its current, revised form, not for sleeve gastrectomies performed over 5 years ago which were much larger than today.

This operation may also be performed as part of a two stage procedure for very high risk patients.