In obesity surgery, different surgical methods can be used according to the person. Gastrectomy is one of the most commonly used methods. How is your gastric sleeve surgery done?, Is there a risk of gastrectomy surgery?” , “How much does gastric sleeve surgery cost?” , "What are the risks after sleeve gastrectomy" are among the most frequently asked questions about sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

What is Gastrectomy Surgery?

Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is the surgical process of turning the stomach into a tube. When the digestive system is examined, it is seen that almost all organs of this system are tubular. The esophagus, the intestines, these are all organs in the form of elongated tubes. The stomach, which is an exception in this system, is in the form of a sac, not a tube, so that it can take more food and create storage. Gastric sleeve surgery is surgery to remove a large part of the stomach irreversibly and turn it into a system that continues with the esophagus and intestines. A tube or other foreign body is not placed in the stomach. Since the shape of the stomach is similar to the shape of a tube, it is called sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

The only effect of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is not to reduce the volume of the stomach. While the stomach is reduced to a tube shape, it also has a serious effect on the hunger hormone secreted from the stomach. The desire for food decreases, the brain feels less hungry, so sleeve gastrectomy surgery creates not only a mechanical effect, but also a hormonal effect.

In which situations Is Gastrectomy performed?

Gastrectomy is performed in many stomach-related problems. In some cases, it is mandatory, while in some cases it can be performed as the preference of the doctor or patient.

Stomach removal surgery can be performed in the following cases;

· Gastric Cancer Treatment: Gastrectomy can be applied in patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in the early stage. According to the cancer type and stage, the least possible amount of the stomach is taken.

· Gastroparesis Treatment: Very slow emptying of the stomach can be defined as gastroparesis. In this case, partial or total gastrectomy can be performed.

· Obesity Treatment: In the treatment of obesity, gastrectomy may be decided if the patient does not achieve success despite using all methods such as diet, exercise and medication.

· Diabetes Treatment: After 2010, there has been an increase in the tendency to perform gastrectomy in people with type 2 diabetes.

The situations in which gastrectomy will be performed and the method in which it will be performed will vary according to the patient's condition.

Potential Risks & Side Effects

As with any surgical procedure, gastrectomy is an operation with complications. Complications that may occur after surgery are grouped as follows:

Risks for patients with obesity problems;

· Heart and Lung Problems: Patients with obesity problems may experience heart and lung problems after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Experts will take the necessary measures in this regard.

· Kidney Failure: In patients with obesity problems, the risk of kidney failure is very low in sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Since sleeve gastrectomy indications are determined against this risk, the risk is minimized.

· Lung Depletion: There is a risk of lung deflating for gastric surgery, as in every surgical procedure, in people with obesity problems.

The risks for other patients are as follows;

· Bleeding: There may be bleeding in the operated area after the operation. Doctors take the necessary precautions against the risk of bleeding. In case of prolonged bleeding, a specialist should be consulted.

· Infection: There is a risk of infection after the operation. If the patient pays attention to the hygiene of the area and the area where the operation is performed is sterile, the risk of infection is minimized.

· Stomach Enlargement: In some patients, the stomach, which is put into a tube after surgery, may expand. In this case, additional operations may be required. In cases of gastric enlargement, old weight can be regained.

· Swelling and Nausea: Some patients may experience difficulty in emptying the stomach. In this case, swelling in the abdomen, nausea or vomiting complaints will increase.

· Leakage in the Stomach: There may be leakage problems after the surgery in the early period. In case of gastric leakage, necessary intervention should be done immediately.

What should be considered after Gastrectomy?

Patients should follow the points specified by the doctors regarding the points to be considered after gastrectomy. Things to consider after this process are as follows;

· In the first periods, the patient should be on the move. Short walks can be made when 1 week has passed after being on the move at home.

· A doctor's permission is required to take a warm shower after the operation.

· During gastrectomy, pressure embolism stockings are put on the patient in the hospital. After the operation, the patient should wear these stockings for an average of 7-10 days.

· Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 15-20 days after stomach removal surgery.

· Patients should not drive for at least 20-30 days after the operation. The time allowed by the doctor to drive should be waited.

· Drinking alcohol after surgery can be dangerous. Therefore, alcohol should not be consumed for 1-2 months. A doctor's approval is required to use alcohol.

· The patient should avoid heavy sports activities and compelling physical activities for a while.

· After stomach removal, doctors prescribe a liquid multivitamin supplement that dissolves in the mouth. This supplement must be used.

· Post-operative doctor checks should not be interrupted. After 3 and 12 months, blood tests measuring vitamin and mineral levels are performed twice. Checks should be made on time and the doctor's recommendations should be taken into account.

· There should be no direct contact with the sun until the stitches placed on the abdomen heal. In addition, hot environments such as solarium or steam bath should be avoided.