Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery in Tunisia

Sleeve gastronomy treatment is one of the advanced medical procedures which is implemented in order to reduce excessive body weight. Candidates who are diagnosed with increased Body Mass Index or BMI exceeding 40, are suggested with operative measures in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. The procedure offers a progressed approach with reduced side effects and complications, and thus, scientists and surgeons are focusing on implementing it on a larger scale.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the minimally invasive procedures, which is performed laparoscopically. The procedure involves several incisions made in the upper abdomen region, through which fine instruments are inserted. In this, the stomach is surgically reduced in size (approximately 80% of the tissue), until a slim tube-like structure remains. The stomach tube resembles a banana, and efficiently reduces food absorption utmost. This procedure has proven ideal in releasing hormonal issues related with body weight surge. It is also done to prevent diseases like:

Extreme (unhealthy) obesity
High blood pressure
Type II Diabetes
Increased cholesterol
Cardiovascular diseases
Sleep apnea (obstructive)
Stroke

Symptoms of a patient undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy treatment

Sleeve gastrectomy treatment might lead to several adverse health related issues, which can be included in post-operative complications. In severe cases, the related risk factors are:

Lowered Blood Glucose Level (or hypoglycemic condition)
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Stomal stenosis
Hernia
Malnutrition
Vomiting and nausea
Gastroesophageal reflux
Apart from the above mentioned long-term symptoms of the procedure, the risks attached to the surgical procedure are:
Leakage of the cut stomach ends
Excessive bleeding
Major infections
Respiratory issues

Factors Affecting the Cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery cost varies from a minimum of $16,000 to $18,000 approximately. The procedure may cost 1/4th of the amount if the candidate undergoing the procedure has medical insurance benefits availed. Apart from that, the other factors that determine the cost of sleeve gastrectomy are:

Country where the procedure is being availed from
The extent of procedure required
The experience and proficiency of surgeons involved
Healthcare clinics where the procedure is being availed from

Treatment and Cost

Total Days
In Country

2 No. Travelers

3 Day in Hospital

12 Days Outside Hospital

Treatment cost starts from

USD 6500

Cost Trends Cost Estimate

About the Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric sleeve procedure, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, involves surgical removal of part of a stomach. This procedure is a permanent one and intends to result in drastic weight loss in individuals suffering from morbid obesity.

During the gastric sleeve procedure, the left side of the stomach is cut and the size is reduced to just 25 percent of its original size. The resulting stomach looks like a banana-like “sleeve.”

The resulting vertical gastric sleeve limits the intake of food due to reduced production of gastric enzymes and digestive juices. You may feel full after eating small amounts of food. This is also known as a “restrictive procedure” as it restricts the amount of food that you can consume at a time. This procedure is performed laparoscopically and is irreversible in nature.

Is it safe to have sleeve gastrectomy?

Gastric sleeve procedure is recommended to individuals whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or greater than 40. It is a completely safe procedure and is minimally invasive in nature.

When performed correctly, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy improves a number of obesity-related medical conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, hypertension, cardiac disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, dermatitis due to skin folds, urinary incontinence, and metabolic syndrome.

How is Sleeve Gastrectomy performed?

The total duration of surgery is about 60 to 90 minutes. Your sleeve gastrectomy surgeon will give you general anaesthesia before the procedure. The surgery is performed with the help of a laparoscope.

The surgeon will insert the laparoscope into your belly after making two to five small incisions. The inside of your belly can be visualized with the help of a camera attached to the laparoscope. After that, your stomach will be cut vertically

Around 75 percent of the stomach is removed and the remaining part of the stomach is joined with surgical staples. The retained portion of the stomach now looks like a banana-like sleeve. The cut part of the stomach is removed, and the incisions in the abdomen are stitched and closed. The gastric sleeve cost is typically higher as compared to other surgical methods of weight loss.

Recovery from Sleeve Gastrectomy

The patient is typically discharged within two days of the procedure. The patient should follow the following instructions to recover quickly after gastric sleeve surgery:

Take soft diet after discharge
Take clear liquids on the day of the procedure
Consume small meals to avoid stretching of the stomach
Eat small quantities of food
Include vitamins and minerals in the diet

You will start noticing gradual weight loss once you start to maintain a healthy diet and regular physical activity. You should not increase your quantity of meals after achieving targeted weight loss, as it may stretch your stomach. You should maintain the same activity levels for at least two to three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health care infrastructure of Tunisia / Why should opt for Tunisia as a destination for your medical treatment?

Hospitals in Tunisia are developing and trying to meet the international standards of healthcare. Although there is a basic set up in most of the hospitals for treatment in Tunisia, one can still expect scope for improvement. The Ministry of Health, along with the Government of Tunisia is making effective changes for the healthcare sector. The private hospitals in Tunisia are also undergoing a robust change to provide effective healthcare and treatment in Tunisia.

Like most other countries, hospitals in Tunisia have a private and public healthcare system. Hospitals in Tunisia include three levels of care: primary, with a network of 81 clinics and 2091 basic health centers; secondary, with 109 district hospitals; and tertiary, with 33 regional hospitals and 24 modern CHUs, according to MoS figures.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in Tunisia? Are they JCI certified? What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety.
In Tunisia, there are no JCI accredited hospitals but 4 private hospitals are certified ISO and OHSAS (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series).

Are the doctors/surgeons in Tunisia of the best quality?

The hospitals in Tunisia have seen a constant change in terms of development and technology. Most doctors that are trained in the country understand the needs and requirements of people and are able to diagnose and treat them well. There are various surgeons that fly in from other countries as well to treat patients. This was brought about due to the economic reforms and various expats residing there. The varying levels of health organizations provide reasonable means of treatment for any patient. There are also trained paramedical and emergency service staff in this country.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in Tunisia?

Patients who wish to visit Tunisia for medical purposes must contact the Embassy of Tunisia in their home country. One is required to have a valid passport. Those applicants must submit their visa application forms in person together with the following documents:

A duly completed application form with one picture (within a white background).
Original biometric passport and one copy. Passports should have a validity of at least one year from the date of your visa application submission.
Medical certificate stating the type of illness and the treatment to be carried out. This document has to be in English or Spanish language.
Letter from the hospital in Tunisia stating the appointment date and whether the treatment expenses have been already paid in full.
Proof of financial means which enable the applicant to meet life needs while in Tunisia (salary certificate if working, bank statement for the last six months, property deeds, commercial license, other sorts of income).
Travel insurance.
Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, etc)
Applicants are advised that ALL PASSPORTS HAVE TO REMAIN at the Embassy premises while the visa application is under process (between 10 and 15 days), and therefore cannot be retrieved unless very special and urgent circumstances might arise.
The Embassy has the right to require from the applicant any document that it may deem relevant in order to resolve the visa file.

What support services does MediGence provide in Tunisia?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in Tunisia for medical treatment?

Tunis is the largest country and capital of Tunisia. This country is located in the northern region of Africa and is the best city for treatment in Tunisia.