Gastric Sleeve

The condition

The gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure only. Unlike a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or the duodenal switch, there is no bypass of the small intestines with the gastric sleeve, so all nutrients are absorbed. Other names for gastric sleeve resection are sleeve gastrectomy, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, tube gastrectomy and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

The procedure

During this procedure the surgeon removes about 60 percent of the stomach so that it takes the shape of a tube or sleeve. Unlike gastric banding surgeries, no foreign objects are left in the body during the procedure. A gastric bypass or duodenal switch may follow this procedure after the patient has lost a significant amount of weight. This is called a "staged" approach to weight loss.

Risks

• Twisting ( volvulus) of the gastric sleeve
• Abnormal stomach emptying
• Esophageal injury
• Leak at the staple line
• Injury to the spleen
• Worsen already existing gastroesophageal reflux
• Bleeding

Medical negligence

The above mentioned risks and complications are known to happen with sleeve gastrectomy and such complications do not necessarily constitute deviation from the medical standard of care. The following examples however may be considered as medical negligence.

Failure to diagnose and treat a leak. The operation requires staples to be inserted into the stomach, and there is always a chance that the staples will tear apart, resulting in a leak. The leaking stomach acids frequently become infected and can cause serious problems that may require another operation or a drainage tube. If gone unrecognized, this may result in sepsis and death.