Does Gastric Dilatation Limit the Success of Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Sole Operation for Morbid Obesity?

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy as the sole bariatric operation has been reported for high-risk super-obese patients or as first-step followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) or duodenal switch (DS) in super-super obese patients. The efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for morbidly obese patients with a BMI of <50 kg/m² and the incidence of gastric dilatation following LSG have not yet been investigated. Methods: 23 patients (15 morbidly obese, 8 super-obese) were studied prospectively for weight loss following LSG. The incidence of sleeve dilatation was assessed by upper GI contrast studies in patients with a follow-up of >12 months. Results: Patients who underwent LSG achieved a mean excess weight loss (EWL) at 6 and 12 months postoperatively of 46% and 56%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in %EWL comparing obese and super-obese patients. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, dilatation of the gastric sleeve was found in 1 patient and weight regain after initial successful weight loss in 3 of the 23 patients. Conclusion: LSG has been highly effective for weight reduction for morbid obesity even as the sole bariatric operation. Gastric dilatation was found in only 1 patient in this short-term follow-up. Weight regain following LSG may require conversion to RYGBP or DS. Follow-up will be necessary to evaluate long-term results.