Sleeve Gastrectomy: Inside the Operating Room
Is a two-port laparoscopic sleeve less painful?
Usually yes, because most pain after laparoscopy comes from the abdominal-wall wounds, and reducing them to two eases pain and speeds up movement. Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi performs two-port sleeves in suitable cases depending on the patient’s build.
What the photo shows
The photo shows Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi holding the part of the stomach that was removed above the patient’s abdomen right after surgery, and the abdomen shows only two small ports: at the belly button and in the upper abdomen. The whole laparoscopic sleeve was done through these two openings alone.
The steps of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to create working space, then the camera and instruments are introduced through the ports. The surgeon frees the greater curve of the stomach from its blood vessels, cuts and staples the stomach along a sizing tube to form a narrow sleeve, checks the staple line for leaks or bleeding and then removes the excised part.
Pain after a reduced-port sleeve
Most pain after laparoscopic surgery comes from the abdominal-wall wounds and from the gas used, and some patients feel shoulder pain for a day or two. With only two ports there are fewer wall wounds, so pain is usually milder and there is less need for strong painkillers.
Recovery and getting back to life
Patients start walking within hours, most return to desk work after one to two weeks, and heavy lifting is avoided for several weeks. Following the eating stages, vitamins and nutrition follow-up remains the key to the result.
The journey, step by step
- Planning
Assessing suitability for a two-port sleeve based on build and liver size.
- Surgery
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through two ports only.
- Same day
Walking within hours and starting clear fluids.
- Weeks one and two
Pain settles and most return to desk work.
- Follow-up
Eating stages, vitamins and nutrition follow-up.
A two-port sleeve means less pain and an easier recovery in suitable cases, but the number of ports is not a goal in itself; the goal is an accurate and safe sleeve. That is why we decide the number of incisions for each patient according to their build. Results vary from patient to patient.
This story reflects one patient's experience. Your result depends on your starting weight, health, the chosen procedure and your commitment after surgery. Only a personal medical evaluation can tell you what to expect.
An operating-room photo from Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi’s bariatric and laparoscopic surgery center in Jordan in which Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi holds the removed part of the stomach above a patient who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through only two ports. A reduced-port sleeve lowers abdominal-wall pain; patients walk within hours and usually return to desk work within 1–2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I feel shoulder pain after laparoscopic sleeve?
Because of the gas used to inflate the abdomen, which irritates the diaphragm; it usually settles within a day or two with walking.
When do I start walking after sleeve gastrectomy?
Within hours of surgery. Early walking lowers the risk of clots and helps clear the gas.
When can I return to work after a two-port sleeve?
Usually after one to two weeks for desk work, avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks.
Is the result of a two-port sleeve different from a standard sleeve?
No. The same part of the stomach is removed; only the number of wounds, the pain and the scars differ.
How do I know if I am suitable for a two-port sleeve?
Send your weight, height, age and previous operations via WhatsApp +962 79 570 2800; the surgeon decides the number of ports after assessment.
