Gastric Plication New Jersey

The gastric plication procedure is a relatively new and largely experimental bariatric surgery that creates restriction without any removal of stomach tissue and without the need for an implanted device in the abdomen as with the gastric band. Gastric plication is being performed on a limited basis as long-term results are not yet available. The hope is that this procedure will become a relatively lower-cost, minimally invasive option in bariatrics.

The gastric plication works by a process called invagination. In other words, the stomach is folded in on itself and sutured with one or two rows of stitches or clips to create a banana shaped sleeve, not unlike the gastric sleeve procedure. However, the similarities end there. During the gastric sleeve procedure the excess stomach tissue is removed while in gastric plication, the stomach tissue remains intact. The significantly lessened surface area of the stomach, as a result of the surgery, allows the patient to eat less at every sitting and, in turn, lose weight.

Results of the Gastric Plication

Results of the gastric plication vary widely since it is a new and experimental procedure. There is no reliable long-term data on its safety or effectiveness. What we do know is that it has the potential to become an effective surgical procedure for those suffering from obesity with a relatively lower BMI.

Benefits of Gastric Plication

  • The gastric plication procedure can be performed in a minimally invasive manner, meeting shorter recovery time, less pain and blood loss.
  • Gastric plication can potentially be a low-cost bariatric surgery when compared to traditional, major procedures available today.
  • The plication does not remove any stomach tissue, meaning that the procedure can be reversed in cases of need.
  • It does not require a medical device to be implanted in the abdomen.

Risks and Considerations of Gastric Plication

  • Just like any other surgical procedure, the gastric plication comes with risks inherent to surgery and specific to abdominal and bariatric surgery. Please contact us to learn more about these risks.
  • The procedure does not have a long track record. Therefore, results over the medium and long-term are as of yet unknown.
  • The plication does not remove the fundus (as the gastric sleeve does), the part of the stomach helps suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin.
  • It is a relatively complex surgical procedure that requires detailed suturing. If the sutures or clips are not placed correctly, a revision to the procedure may be required.
  • Initial data shows that plication offers a relatively lower potential weight loss when compared to the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Results are more in-line with the gastric band.

 Other Bariatric Procedures:

Gastric Bypass
Gastric Band
Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Lap Band®
Realize® Band