[Experiences with a novel bariatric bypass procedure (SASI)]

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic disease management

Background:

• Obesity is a systemic disease requiring effective treatment, with surgery proving more effective than conservative methods.
• Laparoscopic single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass is an emerging bariatric procedure combining restrictive and malabsorptive benefits.
• SASI bypass is suitable for various eating patterns with minimal risk of impaired absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the outcomes of SASI bypass procedures performed by the team.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SASI bypass in a cohort of patients.

Main Methods:

• The study followed international bariatric society protocols for patient qualification and procedure execution.
• SASI bypass involved creating a gastric sleeve followed by an anastomosis between the ileum and stomach.
• Patient follow-ups occurred at 3 and 6 months, with gastric emptying assessed using an isotopic method in two patients.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five patients (mean age 40.1 years, mean BMI 43.7 kg/m2) underwent SASI bypass.
• Significant BMI reduction observed: 13.9% at 3 months and 26.1% at 6 months.
• Hypertension resolved in 9/11 cases, prediabetes in 2/2. Common side effects included reflux (6), fatigue (5), and hair loss (9).

Conclusions:

• SASI bypass effectively combines restrictive and malabsorptive advantages with minimal risk of nutrient deficiencies.
• The procedure leads to significant regression of comorbidities and reduced medication needs within 6 months.
• SASI bypass is a safe and effective bariatric procedure with potential to become a leading treatment for obesity.