Gastric Plication
In the quest to offer the most effective procedures with the fewest risks, innovation in weight loss surgery has brought about the gastric band plication. In essence, this procedure combines the mechanism of the gastric sleeve procedure, without the need for permanent anatomical change. Because it is so new, there is a lack of long-term data, but preliminary results are promising, showing excellent weight loss potential with a lower risk profile.
How the Procedure Works:
The surgeon will make four to five small incisions in the abdomen through which all the medical devices and cameras necessary to perform the procedure will be passed. This can be achieved with the use of traditional laparoscopy or robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon will then proceed to invaginate, or fold, the stomach in on itself. As the stomach is folded, it is sutured or clipped so it remains in place.
The result of the procedure is a long, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch just a bit bigger than a banana and very similar in shape and size to the gastric sleeve. This smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food a patient can eat, making them feel fuller sooner and allowing them to lose weight.
It is likely that with an uneventful surgery with no complication, patients may be able to leave the hospital or surgery center the day of, or the day after, surgery.
Advantages of the Gastric Plication
- The procedure offers good weight loss and disease improvement potential with few risks, according to preliminary data
- Cash pay pricing is typically lower than that of a sleeve
- If the procedure needs to be reversed, it can be done easily
- The procedure can be easily converted to a sleeve or bypass if necessary
Considerations of the Gastric Plication
- Results are still preliminary, and there is little long-term data on effectiveness
- There is the potential for the suture to open, allowing the stomach to regain its former shape and size
- Despite the similar shape, weight loss results will likely not reach those of the sleeve
- Despite the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, there are still inherent risks as with any surgery, especially abdominal surgery
- This surgery may not be appropriate for the extremely obese (BMI > 60)
