[Calibrated sleeve gastrectomy or sleeve gastrectomy: experiences in Abidjan]

The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the first 29 cases of sleeve gastrectomy in Abidjan.

We analyzed the records of patients operated for morbid obesity in 3 private clinics in Abidjan by the team of Professor Alexandre N'Guessan from 2009 to 2014. This study included all patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity.

A total of 29 patients were operated; 28 women and 1 man with a mean age of 34 years. Their body mass index (BMI) ranged between 35 and 49 kg/m² with comorbidities. The laparoscopic procedure was possible in all cases without conversion. The average operative time was 3 hours. Patients were exeat in 70% of cases in the second postoperative day after methylene blue checks were conducted. Only 4 complications (1 phrenic abscess, 1 small bowel obstruction, 1 gastric stenosis and 1 digestive fistula) required surgical recovery. The operative mortality was 6.89%. Around 92.85% of patients had a loss of excess weight greater than 50% over 4 years, with an improvement of comorbidities.

The sleeve gastrectomy is a feasible technique with our current working conditions. It requires a good patient selection, and a multidisciplinary team.