Vertical sleeve gastrectomy – laparoscopic surgery

Description laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VRG) It is an operation to reduce the size of the stomach.

The reasons for performing laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy

The operation is used for severe obesity. Doctors use indicator, called the body mass index (BMI), to determine the degree of obesity. Normal BMI – 18.5-25.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy – the possibility of weight loss for people with the following indicators:

• BMI greater than 40;
• BMI 35-39.9 and life-threatening diseases, severe disabilities, which impact on employment, mobility, family life;

The success of the vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery depends on further lifestyle. With the right approach would be a significant improvement in health:

• Weight reduction;
• Reducing the symptoms of many obesity-related diseases;
• Improved mobility and stamina;
• Improved mood and increased self-esteem.

Possible complications of laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy

Complications are rare, but the procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you are planning a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Installed sutures or staples may loosen;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Reaction to anesthesia;
• Heart attack;
• Blood clots;
• Nausea, vomiting.

Long-term complications include vomiting and the appearance of gallstones.

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Recent or chronic illness;
• Diabetes;
• Advanced age;
• Heart or lung disease;
• Bleeding or clotting disorders.

How is laparoscopic surgery vertical sleeve gastrectomy?

Preparing for Surgery

Before the surgery, the doctor may prescribe, or to hold the next:

• A thorough medical examination and analysis of the medical history;
• Blood tests and other tests;
• Attempts to lose weight (about 10%) through the use of diet drugs;
• Consultation with a dietitian;
• Evaluation of Mental Health.

Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin, clopidogrel (Plaviks).

Before the procedure:

• You may be given antibiotics;
• It may be given a laxative or enema set;
• We need to organize a trip to the procedure and back home from the hospital, as well as home assistance during recovery;
• The night before the operation can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink for the night.

Anesthesia

Used general anesthesia, which blocks the pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation. Administered intravenously in the arm or hand.

Procedure vertical sleeve gastrectomy

To prepare for the surgery nurse enters the venous catheter in the arm of the operated. You can get through it fluids and medications during the procedure. The doctor will put a tube for breathing through the mouth into the throat. Also, the bladder catheter, to divert urine.

The doctor will make several small incisions in the abdomen. It will be pumped gas, to facilitate visibility inside. The sections will be inserted the laparoscope and other surgical instruments. Laparoscope – special medical tool with a tiny camera and a light source at the end of. It sends images of the abdominal cavity on a monitor in the operating room. The doctor performs, considering the operated area on the screen.

The doctor will use surgical staples, to divide the stomach vertically. New stomach will be formed as a thin banana. The rest of the stomach is removed. The new stomach can hold 50-150 ml (milliliters) food, about 10% capacity of normal adult stomach. The incisions will be closed with staples or stitches.

In some cases, the physician may proceed to open surgery sleeve gastrectomy.

Immediately after the procedure, the vertical sleeve gastrectomy

The breathing tube and catheter are removed.

How long will the operation of the vertical sleeve gastrectomy?

About two hours.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. During recovery can be felt pain or soreness at the incision site. The doctor may give pain medicine, to ease the pain.

Care after laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy

Care in a hospital

• The doctor may use a small tube with a camera, to examine the throat and the stomach for problems;
• First, you'll receive nutrition through an IV, and then gradually begin to return to normal eating habits.

The hospital may be recommended:

• Use an incentive spirometer, to prevent breathing problems;
• Wear special stockings or boots to improve blood flow in the legs;
• Regular walks.

Home Care

For normal recovery:

• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• Do not drive or lift anything heavy, at least, Two weeks after surgery, or to permit a physician;
• Daily walk;
• Your doctor may recommend an appointment with a psychologist;
• Follow your doctor's instructions.

You can return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks.

To normalize the supply:

• Eat liquid diet for one week after surgery;
• Start with 4-6 small meals a day. Eat at 120-170 gram of food at one time;
• Diet will gradually change: from soft, pureed to conventional products;
• Solid food should be well masticated;
• The diet should be sufficient amount of protein;
• Do not eat too much or too fast;
• Avoid high-calorie foods;
• Avoid dehydration, Drink plenty of fluids before or after meals.

Contact your doctor after laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Blood in the stool;
• Problems with urination (eg, pain, burning, frequent urination, blood in urine) or inability to urinate;
• Constant nausea and / or vomiting;
• Severe abdominal pain;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.