Laparoscopic greater curvature plication, also known as gastric sleeve plication or gastric imbrication, is becoming more popular among patients interested in weight loss surgery because of its reputation as a restrictive bariatric surgical technique. The official medical term might be a mouthful, but a literal translation of each word actually explains the whole process: Laparoscopic (with the use of laparoscopy), Greater Curvature (the part of the stomach), and Plication (folding) – folding the greater curvature part of the stomach with the use of laparoscopy.

What is Laparoscopy?

With the latest technological advancements in science and medicine, bariatric surgeons are now able to access the inside of the abdomen without having to cut long incisions.

• Laparoscopy mainly involves the surgeon having to cut tiny incisions ranging from 0.5 to 1.5cm in length, where instruments are inserted to access the area for surgery.
• A tiny camera is used to transmit images to a monitor which the surgeon uses to view the area throughout the process.
• Because there is no major cut involved, using laparoscopy in surgery means the recovery time is shortened, and post-surgical pain is less severe than in traditional surgeries.
• Because of the tiny incisions, it can also be referred to as keyhole surgery or band-aid surgery.

Greater Curvature Plication vs. Gastric Sleeve

Many people compare this surgery approach to gastric sleeve surgery. The major difference is that gastric sleeve surgery involves removing part of the stomach to leave only a small part of it, while greater curvature plication only involves folding a part of the stomach to achieve the same results.

Greater Curvature Plication vs. Gastric Band

Gastric band surgery (or lap band surgery) entails a band placed in the upper part of the stomach. This band is connected to a port accessible on the abdomen, where saline fills are injected to adjust the band and continually reduce the circumference of that part of the stomach. Greater curvature plication patients do not have to worry about having a port implanted on their abdomen, or going to a lap band fill center every few months to have their bands adjusted.

While lap bands are deemed even less minimally-invasive, some patients have been known to be quite dissatisfied with the rate of weight loss after surgery.

Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication Method

Desired results are the same as with other weight loss surgery methods: restricting food intake and content in the stomach by reducing its size. In the surgery, the surgeon invaginates (folds inwards) the greater curvature of the stomach and uses rows of stitches on the edges to secure the fold. This lessens the surface area of the stomach without having to cut away a part of it.

According to a Bariatric Times study of Ramos, et al, the average surgery time for laparoscopic greater curvature plication surgery was 55 minutes, with patients staying in the hospital for an average of 36 hours.

Study Results of the Plication Method in Weight Loss Surgery Patients

• In the same study stated above, 62 patients underwent laparoscopic greater curvature plication surgery – their ages ranged from 23 to 48 years, with BMIs ranging from 35 to 46.
• The study found that after a hospital stay ranging from 1- 4 days, patients were able to return to normal activities in about a week after surgery.
• Average excess weight loss (EWL) calculations among the patients:
  • 20% after first month
  • 32% after third month
  • 48% after sixth month
  • 60% after a year
  • 62% after a year and a half
  • 61% after two years

• No complications during the actual surgeries were documented.
• In the first week after surgery, 14-22% of patients reported some nausea and vomiting.
• As of May 2010, no patient has reported any weight regaining after having the surgery.

Who Should Consider Gastric Plication?

You should consider undergoing gastric plication if:

• You are overweight or obese, and you want to lose excess weight.
• You have tried other weight loss programs (exercise, dieting, etc) before, and were unsuccessful.
• You want a minimally-invasive surgery without long cuts on your abdomen.
• You do not want anything implanted on your abdomen.
• You are doubtful about having a part of your stomach, intestines, or any part of your digestive system removed permanently.
• You do not want to spend much time in the hospital and prefer less recovery time in order to return to normal activities in a week or two.

Tips for Patients Considering Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication

• Look for 2-3 qualified and experienced bariatric surgeons to consult with. Discuss your story with them, and see how they plan on helping you lose the excess weight.
• Openly discuss all options for weight loss surgery, possible treatment plans, and surgery methods with the surgeon of your choice and come up with the best plan in relation to your lifestyle.
• Prepare for surgery by keeping healthy, exercising, and choosing to eat healthy foods that can bolster all your body systems for surgery.
• Follow all the surgeon’s advice and diet requirements pre-surgery, and prepare the things you will need post-surgery.
• The journey to weight loss and a healthier you does not stop after the weight loss surgery. Be prepared to achieve a healthier body and mind by eating the right foods, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• If concerned about funds, consider going to other countries like India, Costa Rica, Mexico for laparoscopic greater curvature plication surgery. There are many highly-qualified bariatric surgeons in these countries, who have excellent reputation among previous international patients who can do the job for half (or even less) of what it costs in the first world countries.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable Weight Loss Surgery or Bariatric Surgery at various hospitals in India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belgium & many other world class destinations. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote & more information.