Gastric Imbrication

The gastric imbrication or gastric plication procedure is a relatively new laparoscopic procedure that reduces the stomach volume without any removal of stomach tissue. The stomach is folded into itself and stitched to create a narrow tube shape, similar to that of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Unlike the sleeve procedure, imbrication does not involve any cutting or stapling and the stomach tissue is not removed. As a result of the surgery, the patient is able to eat less and lose weight.

• Imbrication can be performed as an outpatient procedure and in a minimally invasive manner, meeting shorter recovery time, less pain and blood loss.
• Imbrication uses plastic sutures and does not remove any of the stomach tissue, so the procedure can be reversed unlike the sleeve gastrectomy.
• Imbrication does not require a device to be implanted in the abdomen, although combining imbrication with an adjustable gastric band may result in more weight loss than either procedure alone.

One of the safest and most effective surgical procedures offered today is the adjustable gastric band. During this procedure an adjustable gastric band is placed laparoscopically around the top part of the stomach. This procedure is reversible and is easily customized to each patient depending on the amount of fluid in the band. However, some band patients experience slower weight loss than patients who opt for other weight loss procedures and can experience a weight loss plateau. Patients who opt for weight loss surgeries like the sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass generally have higher initial weight loss; however, these surgeries involve altering the patient's anatomy by cutting or stapling.

By adding imbrication with an adjustable gastric band, there are fewer adjustments needed than with just having the band alone and patients may lose weight in less time than with just lap band surgery alone.

• Minimally invasive procedure. No cutting or stapling of the stomach or re-routing the intestines.
• Fewer adjustments may be needed than with just a lap band alone.
• Weight loss may be greater than with just a lap band alone.