Volumetric pouch study after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is frequently performed as a definitive bariatric procedure today. The aim of this study is to evaluate the volumetric changes of gastric reservoir 1 year after LSG using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and to analyze their relationship with weight loss. Patients and methods This is a prospective study of 50 morbidly obese patients submitted to LSG in the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Alexandria Main University Hospital. All patients were referred for abdominal MSCT with volumetric assessment of gastric pouch 1 month and 1 year after surgery. Results A significant increase in total gastric reservoir volume (111.90 +/- 41.56 and 144.14 +/- 42.87 ml at 1 and 12 months, respectively) was observed. The percentage of excess weight loss was not significantly correlated with reservoir volume after 1 year of LSG. Conclusion MSCT allows for a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of the gastric pouch volume. Gastric dilatation seems to be a normal behavior after LSG, yet it is not correlated with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after 1 year of LSG. A longterm follow-up is mandatory to confirm this conclusion.