Sleeve Gastrectomy In Tunisia: An Effective Solution To Fight Obesity?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to reduce swallowing capacity and promote weight loss.

 This technique is indicated for people suffering from severe or morbid obesity, who have not been able to lose weight with conventional methods. Therefore, sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia is an interesting option for patients seeking to benefit from quality medical care, at attractive prices and with personalized follow-up.

What are the advantages of sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy has several advantages over other obesity surgery procedures, such as gastric bypass or gastric banding. Among these advantages, we can cite:

• Significant and lasting weight loss: sleeve gastrectomy allows you to lose up to 60% of excess weight, on average, throughout 12 to 18 months. This weight loss is accompanied by an improvement in metabolic parameters, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cholesterol.
• Reduced appetite and food cravings: sleeve gastrectomy reduces the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger and appetite. Thus, the patient feels less need to eat and becomes satisfied more quickly with reduced quantities of food.
• A less invasive and less complex intervention: sleeve gastrectomy does not modify the digestive circuit, unlike gastric bypass which creates a short circuit between the stomach and the intestine. Sleeve gastrectomy also does not require the placement of a foreign device, such as the gastric band, which can move or rupture. Sleeve gastrectomy is carried out laparoscopically, that is to say through small incisions in the abdomen, which limits the risk of complications and scarring.

Why choose Tunisia to carry out the intervention?

• Modern and equipped clinics: Tunisia has clinics specialized in bariatric surgery, which respect international safety and hygiene standards.
• Indeed, these clinics are equipped with an efficient technical platform and qualified and experienced staff.
• Competent and recognized surgeons: Tunisia has bariatric surgeons qualified and trained in the best European or American centers. These surgeons have perfect mastery of the sleeve gastrectomy technique and provide personalized monitoring before, during, and after the procedure.
• Attractive and transparent prices: Tunisia offers very advantageous prices for sleeve gastrectomy, which include all costs related to the procedure, stay in the clinic, and accommodation in a comfortable hotel. The average price of a sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia is 3,950 euros, compared to 8,000 to 15,000 euros in France.
• A pleasant and exotic setting: Tunisia is a welcoming and warm country, that offers a mild and sunny climate all year round. The patient can take advantage of their stay to discover the cultural and natural riches of the country, such as archaeological sites, beaches, or oases.

How to prepare for a sleeve gastrectomy in Tunisia?

• Request a free, personalized quote: the patient can contact an agency specializing in medical tourism, which will provide them with a detailed, no-obligation quote, as well as information on the progress of the stay.
• Carry out a pre-operative assessment: the patient must carry out medical examinations, such as a blood test, an abdominal ultrasound, a gastric endoscopy, and a cardiac assessment. These examinations make it possible to verify the patient’s eligibility for sleeve gastrectomy and to prevent possible contraindications.
• Follow a diet: the patient must follow a low-calorie, high-protein diet for two weeks before the procedure. This diet aims to reduce the size of the liver and facilitate access to the stomach during surgery.
• Prepare your trip: the patient must book their plane ticket, visa, and medical insurance. He must also provide the necessary documents, such as his passport, his health record, and his medical prescription.

How does the operation take place?

• First, arrival in Tunisia: the patient is greeted at the airport by a driver who takes him to the clinic. He is taken care of by the medical team who explains the procedure to him and makes him sign informed consent.
• Then, the surgical procedure: the sleeve gastrectomy lasts about an hour and is carried out under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a vertical tube with a capacity of 100 to 150 ml. Then he closes the incisions with absorbable staples or sutures.
• Convalescence: the patient remains hospitalized for two to three days, under medical supervision. To relieve pain and prevent infections, he receives painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. During the first days, he follows a liquid diet, then he gradually switches to a mixed diet, then solid. After a week, he can resume light physical activity and return to normal activity after a month.
• Finally, the patient leaves the clinic and stays in a hotel for a few days, before taking their flight home. A driver accompanies him to the airport. He continues to follow the surgeon’s recommendations and regularly consults his attending physician.

What are the results and risks of sleeve gastrectomy?

• Bleeding: this can occur from incisions or the residual stomach. They are often minimal and resolve spontaneously. They may require a blood transfusion or reoperation in more serious cases.
• Infections: they can affect the skin, lungs, or peritoneum. They are treated with antibiotics or drainage in more severe cases.
• Leaks: they correspond to a perforation of the residual stomach or of the junction between the stomach and the esophagus. Indeed, they are rare but serious and can lead to periton.