Sleeve gastrectomy as a bridge to maternity in a patient with obesity, infertility and tetraplegia. A case report

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-024-00614-9 · Published: January 12, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Women's Health

Simple Explanation

This case report discusses a woman with tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) due to a spinal cord injury who also suffered from obesity and infertility. After failed attempts at in vitro fertilization (IVF), she underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) to lose weight. Following the surgery and weight loss, she became naturally pregnant and delivered a healthy baby.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One female patient with tetraplegia, obesity, and infertility

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

1
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can be a successful intervention for weight loss in patients with SCI and obesity.
2
Weight loss following LSG can improve fertility outcomes in women with SCI and obesity who are seeking to conceive.
3
The patient maintained a significant total weight loss (37.11%) four years after surgery and reported a better quality of life.

Research Summary

This case report presents the successful use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in a 34-year-old woman with tetraplegia, obesity, and infertility. The patient, who had a spinal cord injury and failed IVF attempts, achieved significant weight loss after LSG, leading to natural pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby. The report suggests that bariatric surgery can be a beneficial option for patients with SCI and obesity, particularly women seeking to conceive.

Practical Implications

Improved Fertility

Weight loss through bariatric surgery can improve fertility outcomes for women with SCI and obesity.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Weight reduction can lead to better quality of life and fewer medical issues for individuals with SCI and obesity.

Bariatric Consideration

Patients with SCI and obesity should be considered for referral to bariatric teams for assessment and potential treatment.

Sleeve gastrectomy as a bridge to maternity in a patient with obesity, infertility and tetraplegia. A case report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Fertility

Enhanced Quality of Life

Bariatric Consideration

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Sleeve gastrectomy as a bridge to maternity in a patient with obesity, infertility and tetraplegia. A case report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Fertility

Enhanced Quality of Life

Bariatric Consideration

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?