ABSTRACT
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been widely accepted and adopted as a weight loss procedure for obesity. Although technically demanding, it is feasible and can improve patients' overall health. However, any variation from normal anatomy can be challenging for any surgery, especially bariatric surgery, where a mistake could mean going from a life-saving opportunity to costing the patient's life. We present the case of an obese patient who sought medical attention and decided on bariatric surgery. During her preoperative evaluation, situs inversus totalis was discovered. After careful planning, the surgical team completed the surgery without complications, and the patient recovered completely.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Obesity is a worldwide pandemic and is closely associated with an increased risk of comorbidities and overall mortality. Surgery has emerged as an essential strategy to ameliorate obesity-attributable comorbidities and as a powerful weight-loss tool. Due to the increasing number of obese patients predicted to elect surgery, individuals with rare anomalies such as situs inversus can be expected. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 49-year-old woman with situs inversus with levocardia. She had a high BMI and was admitted for bariatric surgery. After several adjustments to our technique, the procedure was completed without complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic bariatric surgeries are highly demanding; variations from the normal anatomy could challenge the medical team. CONCLUSION: Preoperative diagnosis and highly trained surgeons is of paramount importance to adequately treat every patient.