Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a procedure that is performed using a laparoscope, or small camera, that is inserted the abdomen. Long surgical instruments used to carry out the surgery are also inserted through a series of small incisions. The LSG procedure is generally less invasive and carries fewer risks than other weight-loss surgeries, which is why it is often used as a first step in surgical weight-loss treatments.

The LSG procedure involves reducing the stomach volume by permanently removing 60-85% of the stomach pouch, leaving the remaining section in a sleeve-like shape, hence the expression “gastric sleeve.” Thus, weight-loss is obtained through gastric reduction, restricting the amount of food needed to feel full.

LSG works with the body’s normal satiety mechanism, causing patients to naturally eat less and feel good about it. Gastric sleeve surgery can also restrict appetite by reducing hunger-related hormone production in the stomach, which further contributes to weight loss.

As the intestines are not altered in any way, digestion and absorption are not affected, and eating habits do not have to be radically altered. The LSG procedure has been shown to reduce excess body weight by anywhere from 55 to 75% within one year.

On average, the surgery takes less than an hour to complete; patients are discharged 1-2 days post-op, and return to work after 2-4 weeks.

Health Canada Stamps New Weight-Loss Surgery With Approval

Transformative new procedure, MagDI, moves from research to real-world care for patients suffering from obesity, marking the start of a new chapter in minimally invasive metabolic surgery.

Who is a candidate?

The MagDI may be considered for adults who are living with obesity or diseases like diabetes and want a less invasive option than traditional bypass surgery. It can be offered to people who have not had weight-loss surgery before, but it is especially helpful for those who previously had sleeve surgery and are now experiencing issues such as weight regain, insufficient weight loss or acid reflux. By redirecting some of the food from the top to the bottom part of the intestines, the procedure activates a strong natural hormone response in the body, which can support weight loss and improve conditions like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Since the connection is created with magnets rather than cutting or stapling the bowel, it involves less potential complications than classic weight-loss surgery.

What does the procedure look like?

The MagDI procedure happens in two steps on the same day. First, the patient swallows a small magnet that reaches the lower part of the small intestine. A few hours later, in the operating room, the surgical team uses laparoscopy and a gastroscope to guide the second magnet into place. The two magnets lock together through the bowel walls, and softly compress over time (roughly 2-3 weeks) to form a new connection, without cutting or stapling the bowel.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Preserves gastric emptying by leaving the pyloric valve intact
Preserves all mineral absorption: calcium and iron
Can be easily revised if there is weight regain
Less dumping syndrome and hypoglycemia

Disadvantages

Permanent removal of left side of stomach
Lifelong need for Vit. B12 supplement

Risks

Leakage, 1-2% in collective series
Bleeding, less than 1% in collective series
Narrowing of gastric sleeve, less than 1% in collective series

Get answers to your questions

Our Support Group is here for you. We welcome and accompany everyone about to undergo weight-loss surgery. Your questions and concerns have most likely been asked and answered in our support group. Moderated by our dietitians, nurses, and staff. We provide you with reliable patient education and resources to help you throughout this life-changing process. Let’s team up and trust us in this everlasting process.

References

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