The pathological findings seen in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies for weight loss

Sleeve gastrectomy specimens are increasingly common surgical specimens received for examination following bariatric surgery for weight loss. The spectrum of pathological changes seen in these cases is not well documented. Retrospective examination was undertaken of 1463 consecutive sleeve gastrectomy specimens received at Envoi Specialist Pathologists. Most cases showed no pathological changes (80.2%). The most common changes seen were non-specific, non-Helicobacter associated chronic gastritis (7.2%), Helicobacter associated gastritis (6.8%) and benign fundic gland polyps (4.0%). Other, rarer changes were lymphocytic gastritis, autoimmune atrophic gastritis, chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia, hyperplastic polyps, pancreatic heterotopia, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and a leiomyoma. A wide range of pathological changes are seen in resection specimens following sleeve gastrectomies for weight loss. Many cases will require further treatment or ongoing investigation and surveillance.