Obesity is a major health concern worldwide, and it is associated with several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Despite the numerous interventions available to help people lose weight and manage their obesity, it remains a significant challenge. However, recent advances in endoscopic techniques have led to the development of innovative methods to help people with obesity. One of the most promising of these techniques is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).

What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end) to place stitches in the stomach.

These stitches create a sleeve that reduces the size of the stomach and limits the amount of food that can be consumed. This technique is also referred to as endoscopic sleeve or a liquid stomach band. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one hour to complete.

ESG does not involve any incisions and is therefore less invasive than traditional weight loss surgery techniques like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Who Is a Candidate for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is suitable for people who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 and want to lose weight. Candidates must also have tried and failed to achieve weight loss through non-surgical means, such as diet and exercise.

ESG is not suitable for people who have stomach ulcers or other types of structural problems in their stomachs, as well as those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

How Does Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Work?

The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure involves the following steps:.

Before the procedure, patients are given general anesthesia to ensure that they do not feel any discomfort.
A flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.
A special device called an endoscopic suturing device is passed through the endoscope and used to place sutures in the stomach, creating a sleeve.
The sutures are adjusted to achieve the desired level of restriction on the size of the stomach.
The procedure is completed, and the endoscope is removed.

The result of the procedure is a smaller stomach, which can help patients to feel fuller faster and reduce their food intake.

The effectiveness of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty depends on several factors, including the level of restriction on the stomach and the patient’s commitment to healthy lifestyle choices, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise.

What Are the Benefits of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

There are several benefits to endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, including:.

Minimally invasive technique: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty does not require any incisions, which reduces the risk of complications and minimizes recovery time.
Effective weight loss: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has been shown to be effective in helping patients to lose weight.
Reduced hunger: By reducing the size of the stomach, ESG can make patients feel fuller faster and reduce their appetite.
No need for permanent implants: Unlike other weight loss surgery techniques, ESG does not require the placement of permanent implants in the body.
Improvement in co-morbidities: Many patients experience improvement in their co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

What Are the Risks of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

Like any medical procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty does carry some risks. These include:.

Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during the procedure or in the days following it, especially if patients do not follow the prescribed post-procedural care.
Infection: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, but there is still a risk of infection at the site where the endoscope was inserted.
Leakage: There is a small risk of leakage from the stomach after the procedure, which can cause abdominal pain and require further treatment.
Reaction to anesthesia: General anesthesia carries its risks, such as allergic reactions or respiratory problems.

Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Covered by Insurance?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a relatively new procedure and is not yet covered by all insurance plans. Patients who are considering ESG should check with their insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered.

If it is not, there may be other options available for financing the procedure.

Conclusion

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a promising new technique for managing obesity. It is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications.

ESG has been shown to be effective in helping patients to lose weight, reduce their appetite, and improve their co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, ESG is not suitable for everyone, and patients should consult with their doctor to determine if it is the right choice for them.