Gastric Sleeve Plication, Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication (LGCP), is a newer & experimental weight loss surgery option that has been around for 10 years now. Like gastric sleeve gastrectomy, sleeve plication helps people who have problem with obesity to lose weight permanently.

How Does Sleeve Plication Work?

As a restrictive technique, the stomach is folded in and sutured vertically thereby reducing its capacity. A tube is passed through the stomach orally for calibration. Then the stomach is folded into itself using two layers of sutures. The first folding is performed on the outer edge of the stomach. Then, the second layer further reduces its volume to adhere to the calibration tube. The tube is removed and the result mimics a long gastric tube with 10% of the stomach’s original capacity.

What are the Advantages of Sleeve Plication?

Through the use of non-absorbable sutures there is less surgery time. There is also less recovery time needed – only two nights at the hospital. There is no external object, such as staples or bands and fills, used in this procedure. Since no part of the stomach is removed the hormones produced naturally is preserved.

What are the Disadvantages of Sleeve Plication?

Sleeve Plication is very appealing, but it lacks long term results. For one thing, the hormones responsible for increasing appetite, is not decreased with this procedure as it is in sleeve gastrectomy. One of the biggest problem with sleeve plication is leaks through the sutures.