Why would my pouch and/or stoma stretch after Gastric Bypass Surgery?
- Gastric Bypass surgery reduces the stomach to approximately the size of a golf ball. During the procedure, the surgeon creates an outlet referred to as a stoma that serves to slow the passage of food from the newly formed stomach pouch that creates a feeling of fullness after a small volume of food is eaten. Approximately, 20-40% of Gastric Bypass patients may experience the stretching of their pouch and stoma1. When the stomach pouch and stoma enlarge, the feeling of fullness may decrease and patients can eat larger meals. The reasons that the stomach pouch and stoma stretch are not well understood.
Why would my stomach stretch or leak after a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?
- During a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy the surgeon’s objective is to staple and remove a portion of the stomach to form a narrow tubular stomach or “sleeve”. This results in a remaining stomach that is 2-3 oz. in volume. This operation requires stapling inside the stomach, and in some cases, the staples won’t hold, resulting in a leak. In addition, over time, the stomach may stretch accommodating larger meals and/or causing discomfort.
What is a gastrogastric fistula?
- A gastrogastric fistula is an abnormal pathway between the gastric pouch and the bypassed stomach or described as a “hole” in the pouch wall.
How is a ROSE Procedure performed?
- A ROSE Procedure is performed using a small flexible endoscope for visualization and surgical instruments. The endoscope and instruments are inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. Tissue anchors are then used to create folds in the gastric tissue tightening areas of the stomach and/or stoma. With this procedure, no external incisions are made into the skin and patients usually go home the same day.
What are tissue anchors? Will they stay in place?
- The expandable tissue anchors are a suturing technology designed to provide a durable option for patients needing a repair procedure in the stomach. These anchors are mostly constructed of polyester suture and durable polyester baskets that expand and hold tissue together. Expandable tissue anchors accommodate different tissue thicknesses that can vary from patient to patient and hold tissue together during the healing process.
In a recent study, it was reported that 92% of 12 month EGDs (endoscopic examination of the stomach after a ROSE Procedure) revealed the continued presence of anchors confirming their durability1.
What is incisionless surgery and what are the benefits?
- Incisionless surgery is the treatment of medical conditions through the natural passageways of the body, such as the mouth, thus eliminating skin incisions and external scarring. This approach may result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, reduced risk of wound infection and complications.
Am I eligible for a ROSE Procedure?
- After an initial screening, you will undergo a series of evaluations, a full medical exam and an endoscopy to determine if a ROSE Procedure would be best for you. Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate.
Where is a ROSE Procedure performed?
- A ROSE Procedure may be performed in a hospital operating room, an outpatient surgery center or an endoscopy suite. Your doctor will choose the location that is best for you.
What can I expect after a ROSE Procedure?
- Most patients experience a temporary sore throat but otherwise typically report little or no discomfort after a ROSE procedure. Patients typically return to normal activities within a few days.
Will the ROSE Procedure be covered by insurance?
- As with any procedure, coverage will vary depending upon the insurance provider. A specialist in your doctor’s office will discuss your plan with you. In the event insurance will not cover the procedure, financing options may be available.
