Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Abstract

AbstractBariatric surgery (BS) has proved its role in treating obesity and related comorbidities. The number of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomies (LSGs) performed globally has increased markedly and has become “trendy” among bariatric surgeons in the last few years [1]. LSG has attained its position as the primary procedure of choice in bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. In this procedure, 80% of the stomach, mainly the body and fundus are removed longitudinally, leaving behind a sleeve of the stomach along the lesser curve [2, 3]. The procedure can be performed by minimally invasive approaches as well as single incision access or even robotic surgery with comparable results [4, 5]. The weight loss is achieved by restricting the food entering the stomach. Another factor in the effectiveness of weight loss in sleeve gastrectomy is the decrease in blood levels of ghrelin, “the hormone that stimulates hunger,” and a majority of cells responsible for producing this hormone is found in the fundus which is removed during this procedure. This procedure can be performed as the first stage in more complex bariatric cases including cases of super-obesity before procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or the duodenal switch can be performed [6]. The objective is to achieve an initial weight loss that would help to perform more extensive mixed restrictive or malabsorptive procedures safely and effectively [7–9].