Gastric Plication Abroad

Gastric plication abroad is a relatively recent weight loss procedure, also known as laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP), involves folding the stomach to make a smaller stomach pouch. The technique is reversible and tries to reduce the amount of food consumed without removing any stomach tissue. An alternative to more invasive traditional weight-loss procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy is gastric plication.

Why Have a Gastric Plication Abroad?

Many people may be considering having gastric plication surgery abroad due to the high expense of the treatment in various nations. For instance, gastric plication surgery might cost up to $20,000 on average in the United States. On the other hand, some nations, like Turkey, offer the same treatment for as little as $5,000, which covers all travel and medical costs.

In addition, some people cherish their privacy and choose to get surgery abroad in order to remain anonymous. They can avoid any social embarrassment or parental or friend condemnation by keeping their medical treatments a secret.

Even with the higher travel costs, some people might think that healthcare systems abroad provide better medical care and more sophisticated procedures. However, before making a choice, it is essential to look into the healthcare systems, ratings, and certification of the country of destination. Additionally, prospective patients should think about other potential risks associated with receiving medical care abroad, such as language challenges.

Going Above and Beyond: How to Select a Safe and Successful Intervention Abroad?

It is not advisable to make this decision to have gastric plication surgery overseas hastily. To be sure they are receiving a safe and successful course of treatment, patients must perform extensive research. The following are crucial factors to take into account while picking a foreign healthcare provider:

• Medical Credentials and Accreditation - Verify that the healthcare professionals have the required training, experience, and certifications. Check the accreditations and legal compliances of the clinic or hospital.
• Reviews and Referrals – Read patient testimonies and reviews of the hospital or clinic before making a choice. Inquiring for recommendations from reliable sources is also beneficial.
• Medical Tourism Companies - Medical tourism businesses help patients with planning, logistics, and other facets of their trip for medical treatment. Pick reputed medical tourism organizations with a track record of successfully planning safe and effective medical procedures overseas.

Gastric Plication Success Rates Abroad

According to Michael Kourkoulos, gastric plication presents an overall complication rate of 15.1%, partitioned into 10.7% minor and 4.4% major complications. The research also highlights a reoperation rate of 3% and an exceptionally low conversion rate to other procedures at 0.2%, with no reported mortality. Diverging slightly, Obesity News Today mentions that complications can affect a minor segment of 1 to 9% of patients undergoing this procedure. Further expanding on long-term efficacy, Mohamed Abdelgawad discloses a total weight loss (TWL) of 21.14% at two years, with a subsequent decline to 12.08% at six years. This period also saw 35 patients experiencing weight regain, culminating in a 58.3% rate over the same interval, indicating a potential for weight recurrence post-surgery.

In conclusion, gastric plication surgery performed abroad can be a more affordable option than more conventional weight loss procedures. To ensure patient safety and the efficacy of the surgery, prospective patients must do extensive research. Patients can achieve the desired results without jeopardizing their health and well-being by carefully weighing all of their options and adhering to the suggested guidelines.

10 Best Countries For Gastric Plication Abroad