Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure involves removing the lateral two-thirds of the stomach with a stapling device. It can be done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) but is not reversible. It basically leaves a stomach tube instead of a stomach sack.

This is the first component of a surgical procedure , called biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, where the stomach is reduced in size by removing the lateral two thirds leaving the stomach in the shape of a tube.

Sometimes it is offered to patients as part of a two stage Bypass operation particularly if they have a BMI greater than 60 because it allows good weight loss; the more radical bypass can then be offered laparoscopically when they are at a safer weight.