Sleeve Gastrectomy: Inside the Operating Room
Can sleeve gastrectomy be done through only two incisions?
Yes. In suitable cases Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi performs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through only two incisions instead of 4–5, drawing the removed stomach out through a small opening, which means fewer and smaller scars. Suitability depends on the patient’s build.
What the photo shows
The photo shows the removed part of the stomach placed on the patient’s abdomen right after surgery, next to only two small incisions: one at the belly button and one in the upper abdomen. The contrast makes it clear that removing that much stomach does not need a large wound, and that the whole operation is done laparoscopically through small openings.
How a large piece of stomach comes out of a small opening
After the stomach is cut and stapled laparoscopically, the removed part is drawn out through one of the incisions, usually the belly button because it stretches most easily and hides best. Because the stomach is soft tissue, it can come out of a small opening without enlarging it much, and the opening is then closed with a cosmetic stitch.
Reduced-port sleeve: who is it for?
A standard laparoscopic sleeve usually uses 4 to 5 ports. A two-incision sleeve depends on the surgeon’s experience and on the patient’s build: liver size, how fat is distributed in the abdomen and previous operations. Safety and an accurate sleeve shape always come first, so if a case needs an extra port, one is added without hesitation.
What this means for the patient
Fewer incisions usually mean less abdominal-wall pain, smaller and less visible scars and a quicker return to moving around. The number of incisions does not change how much stomach is removed or the weight-loss result, which depend on the operation itself and on following the nutrition plan.
The journey, step by step
- Assessment
Examining the patient and deciding whether a reduced-port sleeve suits their build.
- Surgery
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through only two incisions.
- Removing the stomach
Drawing the removed stomach out through an incision and closing it with a cosmetic stitch.
- Recovery
Early walking and clear fluids, then the eating stages with the dietitian.
- Scars
Two small scars that fade gradually over the following months.
We always try to reduce the number of incisions when the case allows, because that means less pain and smaller scars. The decision is made during planning according to the patient’s build, and the priority is always a safe operation and an accurate sleeve. 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 showing the removed part of the stomach on the patient’s abdomen next to only two small incisions after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. A standard sleeve usually needs 4–5 ports; a reduced-port sleeve suits selected patients depending on their build and means smaller scars without changing how much stomach is removed (about 80–85%).
Frequently asked questions
Does a two-incision sleeve remove less stomach?
No. The same portion of the stomach (about 80–85%) is removed whether the operation uses two incisions or more; only the number of wounds and the scar size differ.
Is a two-incision sleeve suitable for everyone?
No. It depends on liver size, fat distribution in the abdomen and previous operations, and the surgeon chooses the number of ports that is safest for each patient.
Do sleeve scars fade over time?
The small scars fade gradually over months, and the belly-button scar usually becomes almost hidden within the navel fold.
What is the difference between a two-incision sleeve and a bikini sleeve?
A two-incision sleeve reduces the number of wounds, while a bikini sleeve places the ports low on the abdomen so they hide under underwear. The better option depends on the case and the patient’s preference.
How do I know if a two-incision sleeve suits me?
Send your weight, height, age and previous operations via WhatsApp +962 79 570 2800 for an initial assessment; the number of ports is decided after examination.
