The Gastric Sleeve Plication is a new approach and a great alternative as a restrictive bariatric procedure. It has shown to have similar results to the Gastric Bypass or the Gastric Sleeve regarding weight loss but no long-term studies exist. This procedure is done in approximately 50 minutes and does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach.

How is the procedure done?

The first part of the procedure is done in a very similar way as the Gastric Sleeve where the greater curvature of the stomach is dissected from vessels and greater omentum. After this is done a 32 Fr calibration tube or bougie is then placed to perform the plication. At this point a first layer of non-absorbable interrupted stitches is placed to follow with two more layers of non-absorbable running sutures to form the Sleeve Plication.

Some post-op symptoms are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Excess salivation
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Local patients can be discharged 24 hours post-op and out of town patients are advised to stay 2 nights in the hospital prior to discharge

Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve Plication:

• Done through laparoscopy (minimal invasive surgery)
• Great weight loss similar to Gastric Bypass (roux-en-y) or Gastric Sleeve (2 year study)
• No dumping as with the Gastric Bypass
• No foreign body or prosthesis as with the adjustable Gastric Band
• No adjustments needed like with the adjustable Gastric Band
• No slippage or erosion as with the adjustable Gastric Band

Disadvantages of the Gastric Sleeve Plication.

• No long-term results
• Reversibility is questionable
• Conversion or revision to another weight loss surgery is questionable