Gastric plication
Principle of gastric plication
The gastric plication is a procedure in which, with a special folding and sewing technique, the volume of the gastric pouch is reduced to a smaller tube-like shape. The main reasons why the procedure is preferred are the fact that no resections are performed during the operation nor any foreign objects have been placed in the stomach.
How is gastric plication surgery performed?
Gastric plication surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means that small incisions are made in the patient's abdomen, thus avoiding open surgery. During the procedure, which lasts 40 minutes to 2 hours, surgeons reduce the size of the stomach by folding the stomach lining inside itself. The size and capacity of the organ is reduced by about 70%, which increases the feeling of fullness more quickly and with smaller amounts of food.
Does gastric plication cause weight loss?
Gastric plication is a restrictive procedure. It drastically reduces the size of your stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It does not cause a decrease in nutrient absorption and does not bypass the intestines. After eating a small amount of food, you will feel full very quickly and will continue to feel full for several hours.
Who should undergo gastric plication?
Gastric plication is generally suitable for people who are used to eating large portions. If your food profile includes snacking or grazing small amounts of food. plication will not be a suitable weight loss procedure for your situation.
The most successful patients are those who adhere to the dietary advice given and choose a healthy and varied diet alongside an increase in activity. If dietary guidelines are not followed, poor weight loss and/or weight regain is possible.
Gastric plication is more appropriate for people with a body mass index of 35 and above, but may also be considered with a lower BMI in some cases.
Risks of gastric plication
The risk of complications associated with the procedure is relatively low. The main side effects reported are nausea and vomiting, which usually last about a week after surgery.
Other risks are those related to surgery and general anesthesia, as well as separation of stitched areas and leakage from sutured areas, which may require additional surgery.< /p>
Benefits of gastric plication
Depending on their preoperative weight, patients can expect to lose between 30% and 55% of their excess weight in the first 2 years after surgery. Many obesity-related comorbidities improve or disappear after bariatric surgery. Diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and abnormal cholesterol levels are improved in more than 75% of patients undergoing a bariatric procedure. Although long-term studies are not yet available, the weight loss that occurs after gastric plication results in significant improvement in these medical conditions within the first year after surgery.
The idea behind gastric plastification is to include the main advantages associated with other surgical procedures without the disadvantages. Therefore, it does not involve a rearrangement of the digestive system such as gastric bypass surgery, the need for additional adjustment surgeries such as gastric banding, or the implantation of a banding device around the stomach. Furthermore, the surgery can be reversible, which is also true for gastric band but not for sleeve gastrectomy.
