Single Incision Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need to Know

Gastric sleeve surgery has emerged as a highly sought-after bariatric procedure due to its minimally invasive nature, but not all gastric sleeve procedures are created Equal. Single incision gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively new type that more and more people are considering.

The procedure offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss, just like the conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which is the most common approach for gastric sleeve in Turkey.

This approach to weight loss works by reducing the volume of food you can consume and controlling your appetite.

According to a study, single incision gastric sleeve has demonstrated a high level of efficacy in promoting substantial weight loss within the initial 6 months after surgery, comparable to that of the traditional multiport sleeve gastrectomy. It’s a safe and feasible procedure that doesn’t require any significant modifications to the existing surgical principles.

CONTENT_TABLE_AREA

What Is Single Incision Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Single incision gastric sleeve surgery, also known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure used for weight loss.

Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, which involves multiple small incisions, SILS uses only one incision, usually made in the belly button.

This technique is often chosen for cosmetic reasons, as it results in less visible scarring

With this technique, bariatric surgeons can perform a gastric sleeve using only one incision, which results in a nearly scarless procedure. The procedure involves creating only one scar in the belly button area, which is an appealing option for some patients.

However, this surgery isn always the best option for everyone. The surgery relies on a minimally invasive technique and entails removing up to 80% of the patients stomach, ensuring a long-lasting resolution for effective weight loss.

Due to the exceptional cosmetic results and shorter recovery time, SILS has become one of the most requested types of gastric sleeve surgery. This technique is aesthetically pleasing and offers many other benefits such as reduced scarring, decreased pain, and faster recovery time.

 How Does Single Incision Sleeve Surgery Work?

The surgeon performs the procedure by making a single 2-3 cm incision in the navel. Through this access point, a special port is inserted that allows the use of multiple surgical instruments.

Using a laparoscope (a tiny camera), the surgeon removes about 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped pouch.

This smaller stomach restricts food intake and influences hunger hormones, particularly ghrelin, to promote weight loss 

 Is SILS Gastric Sleeve the Same as Traditional Sleeve Surgery?

In terms of weight loss results and the basic surgical steps, SILS gastric sleeve is the same as traditional sleeve gastrectomy. However, the difference lies in the surgical technique:

• Traditional Sleeve Surgery: Requires 3–5 small incisions.
• Single Incision Sleeve Surgery (SILS): Requires only one incision, typically through the navel.

Both procedures aim to reduce the size of the stomach, but SILS is considered more technically challenging and may not be offered by all bariatric surgeons.

Comparison Between Traditional vs. Single Incision Gastric Sleeve Surgery (SILS)

Single Incision Gastric Sleeve vs Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

Laparoscopic gastric sleeve, also known as the traditional gastric sleeve or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, isn’t the same as single incision gastric sleeve but they eventually aim at the same thing.

The laparoscopic gastric sleeve is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting laparoscopic instruments into the abdominal cavity through three to five small incisions.

One of these instruments, the trocar, is used to reduce the stomach size by almost 80%. The stomach is then sealed using staples and the abdominal incisions are carefully closed off.

Single Incision Gastric Sleeve

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) uses a different approach. Instead of multiple incisions, only one small incision is made, and all the required instruments are inserted and used to remove 80% of the stomach size.

This leads to the creation of only one scar near the patients belly button, which gradually fades away and becomes almost unnoticed within six to twelve months.

Furthermore, the recovery time is usually much quicker compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery, and patients tend to experience less post-operative pain.

Another significant benefit of this approach is a reduced risk of wound site infection and hernias, both of which are potential complications of laparoscopic surgery. This is because there is only one entry point, and therefore, the chances of contamination and infection are significantly lower.

This scarless gastric sleeve option has been gaining popularity among many patients, especially those with a BMI below 40.

However, not all patients are suitable candidates for this surgery, and it cannot be a revision surgery after the initial gastric sleeve.

What Makes Single Incision Sleeve Surgery Different?

Here are key differences that make SILS stand out:

• Cosmetically superior: Minimal scarring due to the hidden belly button incision.
• Potentially less post-operative pain.
• Shorter recovery time (in some cases).
• Technically complex: Requires high surgical skill.
• Limited accessibility: Not all patients qualify or have access to experienced surgeons.

Benefits of Single Incision Gastric Sleeve

Single incision laparoscopic surgery has a proven track record for producing excellent weight loss outcomes and other benefits:

• Produces minimal postoperative discomfort with less visible scarring
• Lower the production of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for hunger
• Improve several metabolic functions in the body and can enhance the bodys ability to regulate blood sugar levels
• Safe and reliable, with far fewer side effects when compared to gastric bypass surgery

 Who Is Eligible for Single Incision Sleeve Surgery?

Ideal candidates typically:

• Have a BMI of 35 or higher, or BMI of 30+ with obesity-related conditions
• Have no prior major abdominal surgeries (to minimize complication risks)
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery
• Are in generally good health with no significant cardiac or pulmonary issues
• Are seeking a minimally invasive, cosmetically discreet weight loss option

A thorough evaluation by a bariatric specialist is necessary to determine eligibility.

Gain knowledge about: gastric sleeve 10 years later 

The Procedure of Single Incision Gastric Sleeve

Your surgeon will evaluate your medical history and suggest the most appropriate treatment options based on the physical examination to ensure optimal outcomes and successful recovery. The steps of the procedure include:

Anesthesia

Before the procedure, your surgeon will give you general anesthesia to keep you asleep and prevent feeling any pain during the surgery.

Making the Incision

Your surgeon will make just one small incision in the abdomen and insert a tiny camera known as a laparoscope to provide visibility inside the abdomen. The entire procedure should take between 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

Cut Off a Part of the Stomach

A portion of your stomach will be removed, and the remaining section will be shaped into a tube or elongated banana and sutured into place.

After the surgery, most patients can return home and resume their usual activities within one or two days. To fully recover, most people typically take a week off from work. Patients will start with a liquid or soft food diet for 2-3 weeks after surgery without cheating, and then gradually move to soft and regular food. Around six weeks after the procedure, most patients can resume their regular diet.

What Are the Risks of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery?

Although the procedure is known for its potential advantages of reduced scarring and faster recovery time, it also has some downsides and challenges.  For instance, a single incision laparoscopic sleeve (SILS) is more difficult to perform compared with a traditional gastric sleeve due to the excessive amount of visceral and subcutaneous fat in the abdomen according to a study.

However, the procedure carries a lower risk than traditional gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery because it requires only a small incision, which significantly lowers the risk of complications that can arise from multiple incisions.

For example, the likelihood of dumping syndrome, a condition where food moves too fast from the stomach to the bowels, is notably less with SILS than with traditional gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries. Furthermore, SILS reduces the risk of vitamin deficiencies, which are relatively common with traditional bariatric procedures.

When it comes to cost, gastric sleeve cost is generally lower than in other countries, and that applies to most types of obesity surgery in Turkey.

 How Much Does Single Incision Gastric Sleeve Cost?

Costs can vary widely based on country, hospital, surgeon expertise, and insurance coverage:

• 🇺🇸 USA: $12,000–$25,000 (often not fully covered by insurance)
• 🇹🇷 Turkey: $3,000–$6,000 (popular for medical tourism)
• 🇲🇽 Mexico: $4,000–$8,000

Turkey, in particular, has become a go-to destination due to its lower costs, accredited hospitals, and bariatric surgery packages that include accommodation and transfers.

Your Takeaway on Single incision laparoscopic sleeve

Single incision laparoscopic sleeve is a unique, less invasive bariatric procedure that has the potential to grow popular as days go by. It yields the benefits of traditional gastric sleeve and leads to fewer risks and complications, but not all doctors can perform this procedure.

International Clinics in Turkey provides different types of bariatric procedures including gastric sleeve, BariClip, and others. The clinics realize that every individuals case is unique, and requires personalized care and attention from a qualified medical professional.

We are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care possible, ensuring that they have the best possible outcome and successful recovery. You can contact us right away using the Contact Us button below.

Related:

Gastric Sleeve Incisions: What You Need to Know