Short‑Term Outcomes of Reduced versus Conventional Ports in Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to compare the short‑term outcomes of reduced ports sleeve gastrectomy versus conventional five ports sleeve  gastrectomy in postoperative weight loss, morbidity rate, pain, and resolution of obesity‑related diseases. 

Materials and Methods: One  hundred forty patients were equally allocated to reduced ports (n = 70) and conventional ports (5 ports) Laparoscopic Gastrectomy groups. The primary outcomes are postoperative pain by numeric rating score, cosmetic visual analog score, satisfaction visual analog  score, operative time, and hospital stay. The secondary outcomes are postoperative complications and comorbidity resolution. 

Results:  The numeric rating score for pain assessment was statistically significantly lower in the reduced ports group compared with the conventional ports group at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours, postoperatively (P < .001). Cosmetic visual analog score was statistically significantly  higher in the reduced ports group compared with conventional ports group at 2 and 3 months follow‑up (P < .001 and P = .008,  respectively). Patient satisfaction visual analog score was statistically significantly higher in the reduced ports group than the conventional ports group at 2 and 3 months follow‑up (P < .001 and P = .032, respectively). 

Conclusion: Reduced ports laparoscopic  sleeve gastrectomy is safe and feasible in patients with body mass index (BMI) up to 50 kg/m². It is cosmetically well appreciated with  noticeable patient satisfaction. It should be practiced with regularity. Further trials should be considered in patients with high BMI (>50  kg/m²).