Gastric Plication
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Gastric Plication, also known as laparoscopic greater curvature plication, is a weight-loss surgery designed to reduce the stomach's volume by folding and suturing it internally. Unlike other bariatric procedures, gastric plication does not involve removing any part of the stomach or intestines, nor does it require the use of an implanted device. This approach makes it a viable option for individuals looking for a restrictive procedure with a lower risk of complications, fewer long-term side effects, and a potentially reversible outcome.
During the procedure, a surgeon uses a laparoscope—a thin, tube-like instrument inserted through small abdominal incisions—to access the stomach. Once inside, they fold the stomach along the greater curvature (the largest outer part) and secure it with stitches. This reduces the stomach’s capacity by approximately 70%, creating a smaller stomach pouch that limits food intake. With a smaller stomach size, patients feel full with less food, leading to reduced calorie consumption and subsequent weight loss.
Gastric Plication is appealing to those who prefer a minimally invasive approach that avoids intestinal rerouting. Patients benefit from a procedure that minimizes surgical risks, allows for natural nutrient absorption, and often produces fewer complications. The technique has gained popularity due to its safety profile, relative simplicity, and effectiveness for patients with a BMI above 30 who have not succeeded with non-surgical weight-loss methods.
Procedure Duration
The gastric plication procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on individual patient factors and the surgeon’s expertise. Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery begins with a series of small incisions in the abdominal area for the laparoscopic instruments. Once the stomach is accessed, the surgeon starts folding it over itself, creating several pleats along the greater curvature and securing them with sutures to hold the folds in place.
Following the surgery, patients are generally required to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days to ensure they respond well to the procedure and can tolerate clear liquids. Post-operative recovery times can vary but often involve about two weeks of restricted activity. Many patients can resume light daily activities within a week and return to work after two weeks, although more strenuous activities should be postponed for 4-6 weeks.
The full recovery period, including dietary adjustments and activity restrictions, lasts approximately six months. Patients gradually progress from a liquid diet to solid foods under medical guidance, learning to adapt to their new, smaller stomach capacity. With consistent post-operative support and follow-up visits, patients can expect optimal recovery and long-term success with their weight-loss goals.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: As a laparoscopic procedure, gastric plication results in smaller incisions, reducing recovery time, scarring, and overall risks.
- No Intestinal Rerouting: This procedure maintains the natural digestive process, minimizing risks of malabsorption or vitamin deficiencies.
- Reversible: The stomach folds can be removed in the future if necessary, offering a reversible option compared to other forms of bariatric surgery.
- Reduced Long-term Complications: With no cutting of the stomach or intestines, complications such as leaks or strictures are significantly reduced.
- Effective Weight Loss: Patients can expect substantial weight loss due to restricted stomach capacity, which helps promote healthier eating habits.
Potential Destinations
1. Mexico
Known for its affordability and proximity to the United States, Mexico has become a prime destination for gastric plication. With modern hospitals and experienced surgeons specializing in bariatric procedures, Mexico offers a combination of quality care and cost savings.
2. Turkey
Turkey has a reputation for advanced medical facilities and highly qualified surgeons, making it an excellent destination for bariatric surgeries. Istanbul and Ankara host some of the country’s leading medical centers equipped with the latest technology and high success rates.
3. India
Offering competitive pricing and internationally accredited hospitals, India attracts medical tourists from around the world. Many of its hospitals cater to international patients with dedicated programs, providing personalized care and bariatric expertise.
4. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a leading hub for medical tourism in the Middle East, with numerous hospitals that uphold international healthcare standards. Patients benefit from highly trained surgeons and luxury-level facilities, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
5. Thailand
Thailand is known for its quality healthcare and affordability, particularly in Bangkok, where many hospitals are internationally accredited. With a robust medical tourism infrastructure, Thailand provides excellent patient care and post-operative support.
Risks & Considerations
- Postoperative Pain: Some patients experience discomfort at the incision sites and may require pain management during the initial recovery phase.
- Nausea and Vomiting: The smaller stomach pouch can cause nausea, especially if solid foods are introduced too quickly post-surgery.
- Risk of Infection: Although minimally invasive, there’s still a risk of infection at the incision sites. Proper wound care and follow-up can mitigate this.
- Dehydration: Limited stomach capacity can lead to dehydration if patients do not adjust to drinking smaller amounts of fluids throughout the day.
- Possible Need for Revision Surgery: In rare cases, some patients may not experience the expected weight loss or may have complications, requiring additional procedures.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for gastric plication, it’s essential to prioritize experience, expertise, and patient-centered care. Look for surgeons with a strong background in bariatric procedures and specific experience with gastric plication, as this helps reduce the likelihood of complications and improves recovery outcomes. Confirm that the surgeon is certified in bariatric surgery by a recognized international board and inquire about their success rates and patient satisfaction scores.
Choose a hospital that specializes in weight-loss surgery, ideally one with international accreditation to ensure high standards of care. Facilities with dedicated medical tourism departments often offer additional services such as language support, assistance with travel arrangements, and streamlined follow-up care, which can greatly enhance the experience for international patients.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
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