Reducing stomach volume through gastric plication
The surgical reduction of the stomach’s volume
This stomach volume reduction surgery involves suspending the activity of the so-called greater curvature through laparoscopy. The intervention leads to a significant reduction of the ammount of food that is ingested and a decline in experiencing the feeling of hunger. The surgical reduction of the stomach’s volume is recommended for patients who have an irregular diet.
Specifications regarding the circumstances of performing gastric plication
Laparoscopic gastric plication is an ideal surgical intervention for those patients who are obese and need a 25-30 kg weight loss. The intervention is contra-indicated in case of hiatal hernia and gastric reflux.
Gastric plication is a reversible procedure which involves barely any risks.
What is gastric plication?
Gastric plication is a restrictive bariatric surgery by which the volume of the stomach is reduced without using implants or metalic clamps. The method consists of creating ripples in the gastric wall, which will be sutured with surgical self-absorbing stitching thread. Due to the fact that the procedure does not involve gastric resections, the risk of encountering complications is extremely low.
The laparoscopic procedure of gastric plication
The surgery involves making 5 or 6 small incisions in the abdomen through which a minuscule camera and several long instruments can be inserted. In other words one or more folds of the stomach will be sewn into the stomach’s interior thus leading to a reduction of the stomach’s volume by 70%. The stomach will be able to hold less food so a smaller intake will be sufficient for the patients.
During this intervention the stomach or intestines will not be cut, eliminated or stapled. Gastric plicature is a process which can later be converted to another type of intervention if need arise.
The intervention is a minimally invasive one, and lasts about 1-2 hours.
The advantages of laparoscopic gastric plication
- The surgical intervention does not involve introducing any foreign object in the body or resecting the stomach.
- The procedure can be combined with other types of bariatric interventions and can later be converted to another type of intervention if need arise.
- The probability of experiencing complications is approximately 1%.
- The surgical intervention is done laparoscopically providing for a fast recovery, little post-op pain and lack of scarring.
- After undergoing this procedure patients can lose between 40-70% of their excess weight in the first year following the surgery.
- Gastric plication surgery contributes to mitigating metabolic affections which are associated with obesity. These include but are not limited to diabetes, hepatic steatosis, high blood-pressure, dyslipidemia etc.
The post-op period and rehabilitation following the intervention
The majority of patients will spend abour 1-2 days in hospital after the surgery.
The surgery is affordable and its short-term and mid-term results are extremele favorable.
After undergoing gastric plication the body will not experience any sort of reduced nutrient absorbtion, and the patient will feel full after consuming a small ammount of food. This state will last well after the surgery being accompanied by a diminuation of the feeling of hunger.
In the post-op phase the surgeon will monitor the results of the patient in detail.
In order to provide an adequate monitoring of the weight loss process after the surgical intervention, a close cooperation between the physician and the patient is necessary. The goal is a gradual weight loss, because losing the surplus weight at a fast pace may lead to serious health issues.