What is sleeve gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery aimed at combating obesity by reducing the size of the stomach.
As explained in a previous article, which we recommend for further reading, sleeve gastrectomy involves a vertical resection of the patient’s stomach, specifically removing a significant portion known as the gastric fundus.
The gastric fundus plays a key role in producing hormones that stimulate hunger. By removing it, the surgery effectively reduces the patient’s sense of hunger, supporting them in their weight-loss journey.
This article will focus on the pre-operative examinations—the assessments conducted in the days and weeks before bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy. These evaluations help patients understand the purpose of each test and how they contribute to minimizing the risks associated with sleeve gastrectomy.
What Are the Pre-Operative Examinations?
Before undergoing bariatric surgery, patients must go through a series of medical checks. These assessments primarily evaluate the patient’s health status and identify the most suitable type of surgery to achieve their goals. Medical checks are also essential to rule out any contraindications related to the chosen surgery type, which may arise from obesity-related conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at some specific pre-operative tests commonly performed in bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy:
- Urine, Blood, and Hormonal Tests: Among the initial examinations are urine, blood, and hormonal tests, which help rule out any endocrinological causes of obesity.
- Cardiac and Respiratory Assessments: Two other critical areas to assess before surgery are cardiac and respiratory functions. For this purpose, patients typically undergo a cardiology consultation and a chest X-ray. If necessary, further tests may be conducted, such as evaluations for sleep apnea.
- Digestive Health Evaluations: Since this is a bariatric surgery, assessments are also conducted on the health of the digestive system and abdomen. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is usually performed to detect ulcers, gastritis, or other conditions. For the abdomen, an ultrasound is conducted to ensure that there are no obesity-related issues affecting this area.
Based on the results of these assessments, the surgeon can determine the most suitable procedure to help the patient reach their goals. This careful preparation minimizes the risk of complications associated with sleeve gastrectomy, serving as an essential preventive measure.
Interested in Learning More About Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery?
Schedule an informational appointment with Dr. Marco Anselmino, Specialist in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
