Needlescopic Laparoscope Sleeve Gastrectomy (NLSG): a Potential Surgical Approach.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become the most popular weight loss surgery currently, but it inevitably leaves multiple small scars in the abdomen. Although the appearance of single-incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy achieve better cosmetic results, it may lead to postoperative complications such as umbilical hernia and umbilical infection. The author has developed a new surgical approach that can compensate for these deficiencies, which we called needlescopic laparoscope sleeve gastrectomy (NLSG).

METHODS

Four consecutive patients underwent needlescopic laparoscope sleeve gastrectomy between July 2024 and August 2024. A 3-mm trocar located at the lower left abdomen is for the 2.7-mm needlescopic laparoscope to observe. Another 3-mm trocar located at the right upper abdomen is for the 2.7-mm needlescopic intestinal clamp to assist in surgery. The 12-mm trocar at the navel serves as the main operating hole, through which the ultrasonic knife and endoscopic linear cutter stapler enters. All 3-mm incisions are not sutured, and the 12-mm incision at the navel is sutured intradermally to achieve complete invisibility of the wound. All patients used the same surgical instruments, technique, and perioperative protocol.

RESULTS

The procedure was successfully performed in all patients. The average surgical time is 57 ± 9.1 min. There were no mortalities or postoperative complications noted during the 3-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Needlescopic laparoscope sleeve gastrectomy is safe, feasible, and great potential.