Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

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Procedure Description

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a minimally invasive weight-loss surgery that involves reducing the size of the stomach to promote weight loss and reduce obesity-related health risks. It’s one of the most popular bariatric procedures due to its effectiveness, safety profile, and positive patient outcomes. The procedure is designed to limit food intake, which is achieved by removing around 80% of the stomach, leaving a tubular “sleeve” shape. This not only restricts the amount of food the patient can consume but also influences hormonal changes that help in appetite reduction.

The LSG procedure starts with small incisions through which a laparoscope—a thin tube with a camera—is inserted into the abdomen. Additional instruments are also inserted to remove part of the stomach along the greater curvature, preserving the pylorus and its function, as well as the duodenum, ensuring food digestion and absorption continue normally. Unlike gastric bypass procedures, LSG does not require rerouting the intestines, which reduces the complexity of the procedure and postoperative complications.

Beyond physical restrictions, LSG affects the hormone ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone.” By removing a significant portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, patients often experience a reduced appetite. This combination of physical restriction and hormonal changes contributes to long-term weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Procedure Duration

The LSG procedure typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity and the surgeon's experience. Performed under general anesthesia, it starts with preparation steps, including positioning and inserting laparoscopic tools. During the main surgical phase, surgeons remove a large portion of the stomach using specialized stapling devices and close the incision sites. With only small incisions required, LSG is a relatively low-trauma procedure.

Following surgery, patients spend a few hours in the recovery room, where medical staff monitor their vital signs and overall recovery from anesthesia. Most patients remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for close observation and to receive instructions on postoperative care. During this period, they are gradually introduced to a liquid diet to accommodate their reduced stomach capacity.

The initial recovery phase lasts about 2 to 4 weeks, during which patients are advised to follow specific dietary guidelines to avoid discomfort and complications. Long-term recovery, marked by gradual weight loss and adaptation to a new eating style, can continue for several months, requiring follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure nutritional needs are met.

Benefits

  • Effective Weight Loss: Patients can achieve significant and sustained weight loss, often reducing excess body weight by 60% or more within 12-18 months.
  • Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: LSG can improve or resolve conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, contributing to overall health.
  • Minimally Invasive: The laparoscopic approach reduces surgical trauma, leading to smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery.
  • Reduced Hunger: By impacting ghrelin production, the procedure helps curb hunger, making it easier to maintain dietary habits for long-term weight management.
  • No Intestinal Bypass: Unlike gastric bypass, LSG doesn’t alter the intestines, reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and complex complications.

Potential Destinations

1. Mexico

Mexico is a top destination for bariatric surgery due to its proximity to the United States, competitive pricing, and highly trained surgeons in private healthcare facilities. Medical tourists often find reputable hospitals in cities like Tijuana and Cancun that offer comprehensive bariatric packages, including LSG, with the added benefit of recovery-friendly environments.

2. Turkey

Turkey has become a global hub for medical tourism, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya offer high-quality healthcare facilities, internationally accredited hospitals, and experienced surgeons. Medical tourists often find appealing packages that include not only the surgery but also luxurious accommodations and post-operative care.

3. India

India offers affordable LSG procedures performed by experienced surgeons in world-renowned hospitals. Known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure, India attracts international patients seeking high-quality yet cost-effective bariatric surgery. The country’s healthcare institutions are equipped with modern technology, and many hospitals are certified by international accreditation bodies.

4. Thailand

Thailand is renowned for combining top-tier medical care with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Bangkok and Phuket have several reputable hospitals specializing in bariatric surgeries. Thailand offers medical tourists an appealing blend of professional healthcare services, stunning recovery locations, and competitive pricing.

5. United Arab Emirates

The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has positioned itself as a prominent destination for medical tourism. With state-of-the-art hospitals, highly skilled surgeons, and a strong commitment to healthcare excellence, the UAE offers laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a luxurious setting. Medical tourists also benefit from minimal language barriers and stringent medical regulations that ensure quality standards.

Risks & Considerations

  • Bleeding and Infection: Although rare, bleeding and infection at the incision sites or internally are possible, and patients should be closely monitored post-surgery.
  • Leakage: A risk of leakage from the staple line where the stomach has been divided, which can require additional medical intervention.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: While less common than in other bariatric procedures, LSG can result in deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, necessitating ongoing supplementation and monitoring.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some patients may experience or worsen symptoms of GERD after LSG, which may require medical treatment.
  • Regaining Weight: Although effective, LSG relies on long-term lifestyle changes. Without adherence to dietary guidelines and exercise, patients risk regaining weight over time.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a surgeon and hospital for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, prioritize experienced bariatric surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive techniques. Reviewing credentials, patient reviews, and the surgeon’s track record with LSG can help determine expertise. Look for hospitals with a strong reputation for bariatric surgery, particularly those that offer comprehensive pre- and postoperative support.

It’s equally important to choose a facility accredited by reputable international or national health organizations, as this indicates adherence to high safety and quality standards. For medical tourists, selecting a hospital with a dedicated international patient care team can make the journey smoother and ensure support throughout the procedure and recovery.

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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