Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy – Technical Tips and Pitfalls

Abstract

Today, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity, and the techniques continue to evolve. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which is only one step of biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch surgery, has become the most common bariatric procedure due to its efficacy when performed alone. Additionally, the rate of complications has decreased as a result of increased technical experience and the development of stapler technology. The widespread adoption of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is also attributable to its technical simplicity. Although it is assumed to be a simple procedure, mistakes at specific stages significantly increase the risk of complications. We focus on our method in detail, including all operative steps, which we believe is the simplest and most effective technique after performing over 5000 surgeries at our institution. Paying attention to the sleeve size, selecting the appropriate stapler, not narrowing the incisura angularis, resecting the fundus without getting too close to the esophagus, creating a smooth, non-rotating staple line, and suturing the staple line are highlighted.