Gastric plication is a relatively new treatment for obesity, in which part of the stomach is not removed. It is performed with minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic or robotic) and has only one day of hospitalization.
Indications for gastric plication
Gastric plication is indicated in mild forms of obesity (BMI: 40-45), without particular concomitant problems.
Intervention procedure:
The operation is performed laparoscopically using the appropriate tools. The stomach folds, aiming to reduce its capacity. No removal of part of the instrument or placement of a foreign body is required. The part of the stomach that serves as storage space is folded and “limited”, however allowing food to pass. The final result of the operation looks like the gastric sleeve from an anatomical point of view.
The capacity of the stomach after gastric folding reaches 100-150ml. However, this largely depends on the choice of the general surgeon and varies according to the patient’s case, gender and body type.
The results of gastric folding are basically better than those of the gastric band. The weight loss achieved reaches 65 to 70% of the excess body weight in the majority of patients.
Advantages:
Some of the major benefits of gastric plication include:
It does not cause malabsorption of nutrients, nor are special dietary restrictions required
No foreign materials are implanted (silicone rings) and the stomach is not resected
The operation is reversible (during the initial postoperative period)
Requires minimal hospitalization (1-2 days)
It has the lowest cost.
The initial results are quite encouraging with satisfactory weight loss and improvement of obesity disease companions. However, it is a relatively new operation, so its long-term results are not known. It is a good alternative bariatric option for those who have an obesity problem and do not want implant placement, stomach removal or gastro-intestinal bypass.
Complications
Complications of gastric plication are minimal due to the method of surgery. Proper and appropriate preoperative preparation by the general surgeon contributes significantly to the avoidance of complications. In addition, the patient’s orderly postoperative eating behavior plays an important role in the safe course of the patient.
Nutrition after gastric plication.
As in all bariatric surgeries, the patient must follow the diet given by the doctor, after gastric folding. During the first week, the patient should follow a hydrated diet.
Then, the hydrated diet is combined with soft foods (mashed).
After the end of the first month, the patient follows a normal diet.
Postoperative course of gastric plication:
The smooth postoperative course after gastric plication is largely based on maintaining the recommended diet and starting physical activity. The monitoring of the patient by the doctor is not strict, but without being considered unnecessary. The function of the digestive system runs smoothly, while there is no restriction of dietary choices.
The capacity of the stomach after gastric folding reaches 100-150ml. However, this largely depends on the choice of the general surgeon and varies according to the patient’s case, gender and body type.
