The sleeve gastrectomy is an operation in which the left side
of the stomach is surgically removed. This results in a new stomach
which is roughly the size and shape of a banana. Since this operation
does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting the
intestines, it is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass
or the duodenal switch. Unlike the Lap-Band® procedure, the
sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of an artificial
device inside the abdomen.
For certain patients, in particular those with a body mass index
greater than 60, the sleeve gastrectomy may be the first part
of a 2-stage operation. The 2-stage operation may have substantial
advantages for specific individuals. |