Obesity has been the leading health concern for people in recent times. With the growing prevalence of obesity, there have been various approaches for weight loss surgery. One of the latest approaches is endoscopic gastric shrinkage.

This approach involves reducing the size of the stomach using an endoscopic procedure. This article will explore endoscopic gastric shrinkage as a novel approach to obesity.

What is Endoscopic Gastric Shrinkage?

Endoscopic gastric shrinkage is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. This procedure entails stitching the stomach, making it smaller.

The procedure involves the insertion of an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light, through the mouth into the stomach. The endoscope helps the physician to see the stomach’s interior and perform the procedure effortlessly. Afterward, the physician will place sutures in the stomach that help to shrink it.

How Does Endoscopic Gastric Shrinkage Work?

The procedure starts by numbing the throat, and the patient is put under anesthesia. Then, an endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach.

With the endoscope, the doctor examines the stomach’s interior and locates the ideal location for the sutures. The physician then places sutures in the stomach wall, creating sections of the stomach to create a smaller size. Once the sutures are in place, they are tightened to decrease the size of the stomach and reduce the amount of food it holds.

The procedure takes around an hour to perform, and patients typically stay in the hospital for observation for one day.

Benefits of Endoscopic Gastric Shrinkage

1. Less Invasive: Endoscopic gastric shrinkage is less invasive than other surgical procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure doesn’t involve any incisions on the abdomen and is performed orally.

2. Shorter Recovery Time: Patients can recover within one day after the procedure, and they can return to their daily activities within a few days.

3. Reduced Risk of Complications: Endoscopic gastric shrinkage significantly reduces the risks of complications such as infections, bleeding, and other minor surgical complications.

4. Lower Cost: Endoscopic gastric shrinkage is less expensive compared to other surgical treatments for weight loss, reducing healthcare costs for the patients.

Who is Eligible for Endoscopic Gastric Shrinkage?

Endoscopic gastric shrinkage is ideal for people with obesity who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30-40. Patients must have attempted other weight loss procedures, including diets and exercise programs, without success.

Endoscopic gastric shrinkage is an option for people who do not meet the criteria for other weight loss procedures.

What are the Risks of Endoscopic Gastric Shrinkage?

Like any medical procedure, endoscopic gastric shrinkage has some risks, including:.

1. Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Patients may experience an adverse reaction to anesthesia and require medical attention.

2. Infection: Patients may develop an infection at the site where the endoscope was inserted or where the sutures are placed.

3. Perforation or Injury: Any form of perforation or injury is a risk with endoscopic procedures, and this can be severe.

4. Bleeding: Patients may experience bleeding during the procedure and require treatment to stop it.

5. Fistula Formation: A fistula is an abnormal connection that forms between tissues in the body. Fistula formation is a risk during endoscopic gastric shrinkage, affecting the intestinal tract or esophagus.

Conclusion

Endoscopic gastric shrinkage is a novel approach to obesity that helps people lose weight. The technique is less invasive, cost-effective, and has a shorter recovery time than other surgical procedures for weight loss.

Endoscopic gastric shrinkage can be beneficial for people who have a BMI between 30-40 and have attempted other weight loss programs without success. However, there are certain risks associated with the procedure, and patients should consult with their physician and an experienced endoscopic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.