Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: its place in bariatric surgery for the severely obese patient

Aim Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was initially used as a staging procedure for high-risk patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, it is now being increasingly favoured as a single-stage procedure. This article discusses the use of LSG as a single-stage procedure for the treatment of obesity and related comorbidities. Methods A literature review was conducted using specific search terms in multiple medical databases. Results Early and mid-term weight loss results show that LSG is comparable to more established bariatric procedures. It also produces satisfactory resolution of obesity related comorbidities such as type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There are minimal published outcome data to assess its long-term effectiveness and safety. This is particularly true in super-obese patients with current data suggesting less satisfactory acheivement of a normal BMI in this group of patients. Conclusion LSG is safe and produces satisfactory weight loss and comorbidity resolution in the early and mid-term period. However, further data are required to assess its long-term effectiveness as well as its effectiveness in super-obese patients.