Gastric Plication

The gastric plication procedure, also known as the laparoscopic greater curvature plication, is a new procedure that preliminary data shows is a less invasive, but very effective alternative to existing bariatric procedures. This is due to the fact that gastric plication does not alter the small intestine as in gastric bypass, does not require the implantation of any medical device as in gastric banding and does not remove any stomach tissue, as in the gastric sleeve.

During the gastric plication procedure, one side of the gastric pouch is folded in on itself, called invagination, and fastened with sutures or clips. A second row of fasteners is then placed for additional restriction. This procedure works much in the same way as the gastric sleeve except that no part of the stomach is removed from the abdomen. The result is the restriction of the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting allowing for safe and measured weight loss over the long-term.

Further, the procedure is performed in a minimally invasive manner, which means that patients will generally experience less pain, quicker recovery and fewer surgical complications versus traditional open surgery.

Gastric plication surgery is ideal for those suffering from obesity and related diseases such as type-II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. The procedure, however, may not be right for everyone, so patients should speak to their surgeon about their bariatric surgery options. Overall costs of the procedure are still being evaluated but since there is no medical device and the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, preliminary cost figures are lower than that of the gastric band (Lap-Band® and Realize Band®).

Since this is a very new procedure, there is little long-term data showing the effectiveness and risks associated with this surgery. Preliminary data, however, shows excellent results with potentially lower complication rates than other weight loss surgeries.

Benefits of Gastric Plication

  • The average patient may lose more than 50% of their excess body weight.
  • Excellent resolution rates of obesity-related diseases.
  • Potentially fewer complications than gastric banding, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.
  • On average, less need for follow-up when compared to gastric banding patients.
  • Overall cost of surgery may be lower than other bariatric procedures.

Possible Considerations of Gastric Plication

  • Initial data shows potentially fewer risks than other bariatric procedures, however, gastric plication is still major surgery and comes with a degree of risk.
  • The most common side-effects include nausea and vomiting.
  • There is little long-term data showing risks and outcomes.
  • This procedure may not be covered by public or private insurance.

Please contact our office or speak to your doctor or surgeon for more information about risks and complications of this surgery.

If you are ready to take an active part in reducing your weight, you may be ready for Weight Loss Surgery; call us today @ 404-236-7555 to find out!

Learn More with Related Pages:

Greater Curve Plication Factsheet
Greater Curve Plication Step-By-Step