Sleeve Resection

• Sleeve Resection is a bariatric surgical procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach.
• The procedure involves removing about 75-80% of the stomach, creating a tube-like “sleeve.”
• It helps in weight loss by limiting food intake and reducing hunger-inducing hormone production.
• Benefits include significant weight loss, improvement in obesity-related health conditions, and a relatively shorter recovery compared to some other bariatric surgeries.
• Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of 2-3 days, followed by a gradual return to normal activities and a specialized diet.

What is Sleeve Resection?

Sleeve Resection is a bariatric surgical procedure that involves the permanent removal of a large portion of the stomach. This procedure transforms the stomach into a narrow, tube-like structure, significantly reducing its capacity. The primary goal is to limit the amount of food an individual can consume and to reduce the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, thereby facilitating substantial weight loss.

Globally, obesity is a significant public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight, and over 650 million were obese. Sleeve Resection is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries worldwide due to its effectiveness in achieving and maintaining weight loss, as well as improving or resolving obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Sleeve Resection Procedure Explained

The Sleeve Resection procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, meaning it involves several small incisions rather than a single large one. This minimally invasive approach generally leads to less pain, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery time for patients. During the surgery, the surgeon removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach along its greater curvature. The remaining portion of the stomach is then stapled to create a vertical, banana-shaped pouch or “sleeve.” This new, smaller stomach connects directly to the small intestine, maintaining the normal digestive pathway without rerouting the intestines.

The procedure does not involve bypassing any part of the small intestine, which differentiates it from other bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass. This aspect helps in avoiding certain malabsorption issues that can occur with other procedures. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days following the surgery for monitoring and initial recovery.

• Pre-operative Evaluation: Patients undergo thorough medical and psychological assessments to ensure suitability for surgery.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered before the procedure begins.
• Incisions: Multiple small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert laparoscopic instruments.
• Stomach Resection: A significant portion of the stomach is removed, and the remaining part is stapled to form a sleeve.
• Closure: The incisions are closed, and the patient is moved to recovery.

Benefits and Recovery from Sleeve Resection Surgery

Benefits of Sleeve Resection surgery extend beyond just weight loss, encompassing significant improvements in overall health and quality of life. Patients often experience substantial and sustained weight reduction, typically losing 50-70% of their excess weight within 1-2 years post-surgery. This weight loss frequently leads to the resolution or significant improvement of various obesity-related health conditions.

Common benefits include:

• Remission or improvement of type 2 diabetes.
• Reduction in high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Improvement in sleep apnea.
• Lowering of high cholesterol levels.
• Alleviation of joint pain and improved mobility.
• Enhanced self-esteem and quality of life.

The Sleeve Resection recovery time varies among individuals, but a typical timeline involves several phases. Immediately after surgery, patients are closely monitored in the hospital for a couple of days. During this time, they begin a liquid diet. Upon discharge, patients follow a strict dietary progression, moving from liquids to pureed foods, then soft foods, and eventually solid foods over several weeks. Most individuals can return to light daily activities within 1-2 weeks and resume more strenuous activities, including exercise, within 4-6 weeks. Full recovery and adaptation to the new eating habits can take several months. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgical team, a dietitian, and other healthcare professionals are crucial for long-term success, monitoring nutritional status, and addressing any potential complications.