Elixir Medical
Bariatric Surgery

Gastric Plication

Gastric Plication

Gastric Plication is a procedure that involves folding the stomach to reduce its size.


How Gastric Plication is Done

Gastric Plication is performed by making 5 small incisions in the abdomen. Using long endoscopic surgical tools and a laparoscopic approach, the surgeon utilizes 1 or 2 layers of non-absorbable sutures to fold the stomach wall. This procedure reduces the stomach's capacity by 70%, lowering the volume of food eaten.

Cutting or removing sections of the stomach or using staplers is not done. No part of the stomach or intestines is removed. Reverting this procedure or converting it to other surgical methods is theoretically possible. The surgery takes about an hour and typically requires 1 or 2 days of hospital stay.


How Gastric Plication Facilitates Losing Weight

Gastric Plication is a restrictive procedure that reduces stomach size and limits the amount of food that can be eaten in a meal.

Although digestion remains unchanged, the feeling of fullness comes from consuming a much smaller volume of food.

The feeling of fullness can last for a few hours, and appetite is significantly reduced after the folding process.


Are You a Good Candidate for Gastric Plication?

Gastric Plication is ideal for individuals who are dissatisfied with traditional weight loss methods.

It is recommended for those with a BMI of 35-40. Women who want to become pregnant and patients without nearby health clinics may find this procedure suitable as it requires fewer regular check-ups.

It is beneficial for individuals who want to alter their eating habits and consume less. However, it is not recommended for those who frequently eat small amounts, as it is most effective for morbidly obese individuals.

If you have hypertension, diabetes, or experience shortness of breath during sleep, your doctor might suggest Gastric Plication. Patients who adhere to the surgeon's instructions and engage in recommended physical activities are likely to achieve satisfying results.


What Are the Risks of Gastric Plication Surgery?

🔴 Risks associated with this laparoscopic procedure include:

🔴 Bleeding, infection, potential infection of other organs, and the need for conversion to open surgery.

🔴 Though rare (occurring in 1% or fewer cases), complications like hernia formation due to the folded stomach sutures, suture severance, or loss of weight loss effectiveness can occur.

🔴 Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize the risk of morbidity.


What Are the Advantages of Gastric Plication Surgery?

Patients can expect a weight loss of 40-70% of their excess weight within a year.

More than 75% of obesity-related diseases are treated effectively.

Long-term results remain positive for 1 to 4 years after the surgery.


Is Gastric Plication Surgery a Good Option for Me?

If your BMI is over 27 and you have obesity-related problems, Gastric Plication Surgery might be a viable option.

Obesity-related issues are often treated following weight loss from the surgery. Consult with your surgeon about all possible surgical options to determine the best choice for you.


What Happens to the Folded Part of the Stomach Over Time?

The folded part of the stomach remains alive and is not removed from blood circulation, so it does not decay.

The only effect of folding is the reduction in the stomach's ability to expand to accommodate large volumes of food.


Is It True That This Procedure Causes Bad Breath Due to Food Waste Getting Stuck Inside the Folds?

🔴 Bad breath can occur after the procedure, but it is not caused by food waste getting stuck in the folds. This concern is unfounded.


Is Gastric Plication Surgery a Modern Procedure with Unproven Results?

Gastric Plication has been around since 1969, with early studies published in medical journals.

The current model was applied to animals in 2000 and to humans in 2002.

Extensive research has been conducted in many international health centers, including the USA, and the procedure is routinely performed and well-regarded.


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