Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy

What is robotic surgery? During this minimally invasive surgery, your surgeon removes part of your stomach, creating a long and slender sleeve shape – hence the gastric sleeve name. This reduces intake but allows you to absorb all the nutrients from the foods you eat.

This procedure is usually done after typical attempts to lose weight via diet and exercise are unsuccessful and is an option for candidates whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or more (classified as extreme obesity) OR your BMI is above 35 and you have a serious health problem related to weight.

During a sleeve gastrectomy, a surgeon permanently removes about 60 to 80 percent of the stomach. The part of the stomach that remains connects to your esophagus and small intestine, forming the shape of a sleeve. This procedure offers an alternative to those who are at a high risk for gastric bypass surgery, or those who want to avoid having artificial items, such as the Gastric Band, in their bodies.

Reducing the size of the stomach greatly limits the amount of food it can hold, helping you feel full from eating less. Following this procedure, you can lose weight and still absorb the full amount of nutrients from the food you eat. As you start to lose weight your energy may start to rise, which can contribute to a more active lifestyle.

What Is Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?

The robotic sleeve gastrectomy procedure is a restrictive procedure in which food restriction is created by surgically decreasing the size of the stomach. Surgeons will make a few small incisions in the abdomen and insert special surgical tools and a miniature camera. The camera enables the surgeon to see inside the body in detail, as opposed to making a large incision in the skin.

The surgeon uses the tools to cut the stomach vertically into two sections, removing the larger section. Then, they will staple the remaining stomach shut, creating a sleeve or tube shape. Unlike gastric bypass, there is no surgery needed on the small intestine and food will progress naturally through the digestive system.

What Are the Advantages to the Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure?

Surgeons remove the part of the stomach that is the main producer of hunger hormones. Once it’s gone, you’ll feel hungry less often. A subdued appetite combined with a smaller stomach will help you lose weight. Most patients can expect to lose 40 to 50 percent of excess body weight over one to two years after the procedure. Compared to gastric bypass surgery, the procedure itself is simple because the intestines are not detached or rerouted. You are also able to absorb the full amount of nutrients and minerals the body needs from the food you eat. In most cases, robotic sleeve gastrectomy surgery can also help improve obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.

The minimally invasive nature of this procedure can result in a variety of benefits, such as:

• A shorter hospital stay
• Less pain or fewer complications after surgery
• Lower risk of infection
• Quicker laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy recovery to start your new active lifestyle

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.