Gastric Plication
The Gastric Plication is a relatively new laparoscopic procedure that involves reducing the stomach volume by folding it on itself (imbrication) and stitching (plication) the stomach wall reducing it to the size of a narrow tube. This surgery simulates the sleeve gastrectomy but doesn't involve any cutting, stapling or removing a portion of the stomach. The natural stomach remains; it is simply imbricated on itself so that the stomach volume is reduced.
Early experience from Cleveland Clinic and international centers have shown very similar weight loss than the sleeve surgery but potentially with less risk for leaks because there is no staple line. It is recommended to create at least 2 folding rows to have a narrow long stomach tube. Patients usually are sometimes nauseated during the first few days trying to adapt to the new smaller stomach capacity. Diet adjustments include staying on liquids for 2-3 weeks and then advance slowly to solid food over the next 2-3 weeks. Patients usually feel less hunger and early satiety.
The procedure has no significant risk of malabsorption because there is no re-routing of the intestines, less risk of leak because there is not cutting and stapling involved, and no need for adjustments like with the gastric band.
Potential Benefits:
a) Can be an ambulatory outpatient surgery
b) No loss of stomach tissue - the 'sleeve' is created by suturing rather than removal (preserving nutrient absorption capability)
c) No devices - no staples, no bands, no fills
d) Can have reduced risk of severe complications (like leaks or bleeding from a staple line)
The Gastric Plication is also known as:
Laparoscopic Gastric Plication (LGP)
Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication (LGCP)
Gastric Imbrication
Vertical Sleeve Plication
Vertical Gastric Plication
Gastric Sleeve Plication
Gastric Plication web site resource: video animation of the procedure and results
Gastric Plication Study Information
If you are interested in participating in a research protocol with this new technique please call 1-423-899-1000 or for details on the study visit:
Special package for the Laparoscopic Gastric Plication procedure is $9,750* and includes:
1. Surgical Procedure
2. Surgeons Fee
3. Anesthesia Fee
4. Surgery Center cost
5. Research study follow-up
6. BLIS protection insurance for complications
You will be responsible for a $250.00 consultation fee in addition to your surgical costs. You will be responsible for obtaining all necessary pre-surgical evaluations, labwork, and testing required by the surgeon prior to surgery as it is not included in the above package.
* This is a discounted cash pay price. If paying by another form of payment other than cashier's check the price is $10,250.