Gastric Sleeve Incisions
Gastric sleeve incisions: what to expect after surgery let’s examine all together:
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight loss procedure that involves removing a significant portion of the stomach. This surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, meaning it is minimally invasive and requires only small incisions. These incisions are important as they allow the surgeon to insert instruments and a camera to perform the operation safely. In this section, we will discuss what to expect from these incisions, their placement, size and the healing process.
Placement and Size of Gastric Sleeve Incisions
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed using laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical method. In this process, four to six small incisions are made in different parts of the abdomen for the surgeon to insert the instruments and laparoscope. These incisions, each about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in size, allow the surgeon to view the internal organs and perform the surgery with precision.
The laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera at the end. By viewing the image from this camera through a monitor, the surgeon removes most of the stomach and creates a tubular stomach. The placement of the incisions may vary according to the surgeon’s technique and the patient’s anatomical features. However, usually one incision is located around the belly button and the other incisions are located in the upper abdomen.
During surgery, the stomach is closed with surgical staples or sutures. This ensures that the newly created stomach tube is tightly closed and reduces the risk of postoperative leakage. After the surgical instruments are removed, the incisions are usually closed with self-melting sutures.
These small incisions are less traumatic compared to traditional open surgery and shorten the patient’s recovery time. Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, patients usually experience less postoperative pain and can return to normal activities sooner. The healing process of the incisions should be carefully monitored after surgery; although small, there is a risk of infection of these incisions and following the doctor’s recommendations will speed up recovery.
Gastric sleeve incisions healing
Postoperative incisions usually take between six weeks and three months to heal. During this time, the scars may initially be prominent and red, and may even show a slight puffiness. However, as time progresses, these scars begin to fade and become more compatible with the surrounding skin tissue. Patients can return to more intense physical activities and exercises after a certain period of time, as directed by the doctor.
During this process, regular wound care and minimizing the risk of infection are of utmost importance. Following the care instructions recommended by the surgeon plays a critical role for optimal healing.
For example, specific topical creams can be used according to the surgeon’s recommendations or specific procedures can be followed to clean the incisions. Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they notice anything unusual during the healing process, as such complications can be more easily managed if detected early.
Gastric sleeve incision infected
The recovery process after stomach reduction surgery depends on the proper healing of the incisions and early detection of signs of infection. During this process, the patient should follow the doctor’s recommendations to promote healing and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any signs of infection.
Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, fever, increased pain and discharge from the surgical site. Early intervention plays a critical role in preventing complications and supports a healthy recovery.
