Deaths tied to sleeve gastrectomy up in Kuwait

Operation cost ranges between KD 3,000 and KD 6,000

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 16: In recent times, the number of death cases due to the slimming technique, commonly referred to as “gastric banding” or “stomach cutting”, has increased in the country. In fact, death has become one of expected outcomes of such procedures, as hundreds of patients annually enter into a coma during or after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, reports Al-Shahid daily.

The cost of sleeve gastrectomy operations in some clinics and private hospitals range between KD 3,000 and KD 6,000. These prices are considered the most expensive prices for sleeve gastrectomy in the world. Many of those who underwent failed sleeve gastrectomy in some private hospitals in Kuwait are forced to search for treatment abroad. Doctors have affirmed that some clinics encourage such operations for financial and commercial reasons.

According to medical sources, Kuwait tops in the world in terms of the number of sleeve gastrectomy operations conducted, followed by Chile. About 500 sleeve gastrectomy operations are carried out on a monthly basis.

The sources warned not to rush into undergoing gastric sleeve operations without confirming the proper cause, as hundreds of patients have gone into a coma, and some private hospitals are forced to refer such cases to government hospitals after declaring that they cannot do anything in such a situation.

The rate of obesity and the associated diseases amount to about 40 percent in Kuwait. About 500 sleeve gastrectomy operations are performed in Kuwait every month. Many patients prefer surgical intervention for treatment as it is the fastest method, instead of following a proper health, diet and sports regimen. The cost of such a surgical operation in Kuwait ranges between KD 3,000 and KD 6,000, which is the highest in the world.