Vertical Gastrectomy

 

The vertical gastrectomy, also called tubular gastrectomy or gastric sleeve is a technique that is performed by minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery.

 

In this intervention, a large part of the stomach is removed (approximately 80%) to limit the amount of food it can hold. With a reduced stomach in size and in the shape of a long and thin tube, the person feels satisfied after eating a small amount of food and also loses the urge to continue eating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The average time of surgery is two hours with the minimally invasive approach, allowing a faster recovery of the patient, with less discomfort and a return to normal activities in approximately seven days.

 

It is a purely restrictive technique, although by removing an important part of the stomach, the production of Ghrelin decreases, a hormone that stimulates the urge to eat, improving comfort and the result of the operation in the medium term.

Several studies today show a loss of excess weight with this technique of between 50% and 70% in the first year after surgery.

 

What people could benefit from a vertical gastrectomy?

 

• Women and men with obesity or a BMI greater than 35, associated with other diseases (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, among others).

• People with obesity or a BMI greater than 40.

• Obese patients who by their own decision do not want to undergo other surgical procedures that alter the digestive anatomy.

• Women and men with obesity in whom other surgical procedures are contraindicated due to high risk.

• Patients with a history of certain types of abdominal surgery (intestinal resections).

 

What are the advantages of vertical gastrectomy?

 

• The procedure is performed with minimal incisions leaving very small scars.

• It is performed with a minimally invasive technique allowing a reduction in hospitalization time and faster recovery.

• In this intervention the digestive process is not altered and therefore, vitamin and nutritional deficiencies are very rare.

• Significant weight loss and control or remission of other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis among others have been observed.