Single-Port Gastric Sleeve

You may be contemplating weight-loss surgery as an option if you are battling obesity and the health issues it is associated with. The single-port gastric sleeve, sometimes referred to as the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is a well-liked weight loss approach. A significant part of the stomach is removed during this minimally invasive treatment to create a smaller, banana-shaped “sleeve”  which  limits the food intake. In this post, we’ll have a look at the preparation, surgery, recovery, and long-term effects of a single-port gastric sleeve as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

What is a Single-Port Gastric Sleeve?

A single incision, typically in the belly button, is used to perform the single-port gastric sleeve surgery. As the scars are less obvious, this method enables a less invasive and more aesthetically pleasing operation. Around 75–80% of the stomach is removed in the surgery, using a laparoscope, a small, illuminated tube with a camera and surgical tools. A sleeve is made of the remaining part of the stomach, which can carry roughly 3 to 4 ounces of food. As a result, you feel satisfied after eating less, which eventually result in significant weight loss.

The single-port gastric sleeve is easier, quicker, and less likely to result in nutrient malabsorption when compared to other weight-loss procedures like the gastric bypass or duodenal switch. Also, the incidence of complications such as intestinal obstruction, dumping syndrome, and internal hernias is less.

The single-port gastric sleeve, however, is not appropriate for everyone. Your eligibility will be based on things like your BMI, medical history, and lifestyle choices. A team, which consists of a surgeon, a dietician, a psychologist, and an exercise specialist, will need to perform a thorough examination.

Benefits of Single-Port Gastric Sleeve

Compared to other bariatric procedures and non-surgical weight loss techniques including diet and exercise, the single-port gastric sleeve has a number of benefits. The following are some of the most important advantages of  Single-Port Gastric Sleeve:

Weight Loss

To lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off in the long term is one of the main objectives of the single-port gastric sleeve. Throughout the first 12 to 18 months following the surgery, the majority of patients can expect losing 50–60% of their excess weight. Remissions in obesity-related illnesses such type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint discomfort may be a result of the weight loss.

Improved Health Conditions

In addition to helping people lose weight, single-port gastric sleeve can improve or treat a number of obesity-related health issues. For instance, many patients experience a remarkable drop in blood sugar levels and may be able to scale back or stop taking their diabetes medications. Lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, enhanced cardiovascular performance, and higher mental and self-esteem are possible additional advantages.

Shorter Recovery Time

As a minimally invasive technique, single-port gastric sleeve often requires a shorter hospital stay and recovery period when compared to open surgery. Within 2-4 weeks following the surgery, the majority of patients can go back to their regular activities, while prolonged, intense exercise should be avoided.

Fewer Scars

Instead of several incisions across the abdomen, the single-port approach cause only a single, tiny incision in the belly button. This may result in a less obvious scar and less discomfort while the wound is healing.

Improved Cosmetic Outcome

Patients may gain more confidence and feel satisfied with their appearance following surgery due to the smaller and less noticeable scars. Improvements in quality of life and body image may result from this, which may help people maintain their weight loss in the long term.

Risks of Single-Port Gastric Sleeve

Single-port gastric sleeve surgery has risks and possible side effects just like any other procedure. The following are some of the risks:

Surgical Risks

Although single-port surgery is less invasive than open surgery, there is still a chance of anesthesia-related complications such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the organs around the surgical site. By selecting a skilled and experienced bariatric surgeon and  implementing all preoperative and postoperative instructions, these risks can be reduced.

Long-Term Complications

Long-term issues including stomach reflux, strictures, or sleeve dilatation can result from single-port gastric sleeve surgery. While being very uncommon, these may require additional care or revision surgery.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Your stomach will be smaller after the single-port gastric sleeve, which may makes it difficult for your stomach to fully absorb the nutrients from your food. This can result in vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiency, which can cause symptoms such as weakness, hair loss, and exhaustion. You’ll need to take vitamin and mineral supplements and maintain a healthy, balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Lifestyle Changes

The single-port gastric sleeve procedure is not a magic bullet or a cure-all for obesity. You’ll need to make major and sustainable lifestyle changes, such adopting a balanced diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, and controlling your stress and emotions, in order to achieve long-term success. To address any psychological or social aspects of your weight gain, you might also need to go to support groups or counseling sessions.

Pre-operative Preparations

You must go through a full diagnostic and preparation procedure before having single-port gastric sleeve surgery. This might include:

Medical Evaluation

In order to determine your eligibility for surgery and to analyze your health status, your bariatric team will do a thorough medical evaluation. This might include professional consultations, imaging exams, and blood testing.

Dietary Restrictions

You’ll need to follow a specific pre-operative diet for several weeks to reduce the size of your liver and facilitate the surgery. This may include a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, as well as avoiding certain foods and beverages.

Exercise Recommendations

You’ll also need to engage in regular physical activity to improve your fitness and prepare for the surgery. This may include aerobic and strength training exercises, as well as stretching and relaxation techniques.

Psychological Counseling

Finally, you may need to undergo psychological counseling to address any emotional or behavioral issues that may affect your weight loss journey. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness training, or support groups.

Procedure Day

You must adhere to all pre-operative instructions, including fasting, taking medications, and dressing comfortably on the day of your single-port gastric sleeve procedure. You will experience general anaesthesia at the hospital or surgical facility, which will put you to sleep and numb your pain.

The procedure itself may take 1-2 hours, during which the doctor may inserting the laparoscope and other tools through a little incision in your belly button. The majority of your stomach will then be removed by the surgeon, who will staple the remaining area to form a sleeve. With the use of surgical glue or sutures, the wound will be closed.

After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where you’ll be monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or infection. You may also receive pain medication and fluids through an IV.

Recovery Period

The recovery period after single-port gastric sleeve depends on the individual and the extent of the surgery. However, most patients can expect to:

• Spend 1-2 nights in the hospital
• Experience some discomfort and soreness for a few days, which you may handle with medicine.
• After a week of liquid diet, gradually introduce soft and solid foods over several weeks.
• Attend follow-up consultations with their bariatric team to track their development, modify their diet and exercise routine, and address any concerns or problems.

During the recovery period, it’s important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, such as:

• Taking pain medication and other prescribed medications as instructed
• Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated
• Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding overeating or binge eating
• Avoiding intense exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks
• Gradually increasing physical activity and incorporating regular exercise into your routine
• Reporting any signs of complications, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding, to your bariatric team.

Long-Term Outcomes

The success of single-port gastric sleeve depends on various factors, such as your initial weight, your commitment to lifestyle changes, and your ability to follow up with your bariatric team. However, many patients can achieve significant and sustainable weight loss, as well as improvements in their health and quality of life.

Some of the long-term outcomes of single-port gastric sleeve may include:

• Losing 50-60% of excess weight within the first 12-18 months after surgery
• Improvements or remission of obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain
• Improved cardiovascular function and reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Improved mental health and self-esteem, and better quality of life
• Risk of complications, such as gastric reflux, stricture, or sleeve dilation, which may require revision surgery or treatment
• Need for lifelong diet and lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, balanced and nutrient-rich diet, and avoiding high-calorie, high-fat, or sugary foods and beverages.

Summary

For qualified patients battling obesity and obesity-related health issues, single-port gastric sleeve is a safe and efficient weight-loss surgery alternative. This treatment can result in significant and sustainable weight loss as well as improvements in health, function, and quality of life by shrinking the stomach and limiting food intake. It entails considerable lifestyle adjustments, lifelong follow-up care, and certain hazards as well. Single-port gastric sleeve should be discussed with a skilled and experienced bariatric team. You should also undergo a thorough evaluation and psychologically, physically, and emotionally prepare for the procedure and recovery.