Our 1-year experience in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Sleeve gastrectomy, initially a staged procedure, is now a recognized standalone bariatric surgery.
• International consensus confirms its safety and efficacy as a restrictive and appetite-suppressing procedure.
• It is utilized as both a primary and revisional surgery for morbid obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Asian patients.
• To assess weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and complication rates after one year.

Main Methods:

• A standard five-port laparoscopic technique was employed.
• One-year follow-up data from 20 patients (out of 48) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy were reviewed.
• Included were patients who had undergone prior band procedures for complications.

Main Results:

• Average BMI decreased from 42.5 to 33.1 kg/m², with an average weight loss of 26.1 kg (49.6% excess weight loss).
• Significant improvements were observed in diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and asthma.
• Three complications occurred: two leaks and one gastro-esophageal spasm/stricture.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy demonstrates short-term safety and feasibility for primary morbid obesity treatment and revisional surgery in Asian patients.
• Further investigation is warranted to understand weight loss mechanisms, optimal techniques, and long-term results.