Endoscopic bariatric therapies

Outcomes of concomitant antiobesity medication use with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in clinical US settings

Background

To evaluate the weight loss outcomes of the large US cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) with or without concomitant anti-obesity (AOM) use.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent ESG from seven different sites, from January 1, 2020 to November 30, 2022. Percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) and %excess weight loss (%EWL) were calculated based on baseline weight at the procedure. Medication use was considered if the subject received a prescribed AOM during the study period. SPSS (version 29.0) was used for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 1506 patients were included (1359 (90.2 %) no AOM use and 147 (9.8 %) AOM use). Patients who were on an active AOM at the time of the procedure had a significantly lower TBWL% as compared to patients not on AOMs at 6 months. At the 24-month visit, patients who were prescribed AOMs after the 12-month visit had a significantly higher TBWL% and EWL% as compared to patients who were on active AOM at the time of the procedure. There was no significant difference between classes of medications at any time point, however, patients on a GLP-1RA had a trend towards improved weight loss at 18 and 24 months.

Conclusion

In this large, real-world cohort of patients from the United States, data signal that with the use of pharmacotherapy at the appropriate time, patients can achieve optimal results.

Intragastric balloons for obesity: critical review of device design, efficacy, tolerability, and unmet clinical needs

INTRODUCTION

Sustaining a healthy weight is a challenge and obesity, with associated risk of co-morbidities, is a major public health concern. Bariatric surgery has shown a great promise for many where pharmacological and lifestyle interventions failed to work. However, challenges and limitations associated with bariatric surgery has pushed the demand for less invasive, reversible (anatomically) interventions, such as intragastric balloons (IGBs).

AREAS COVERED

This review critically appraises IGBs used in the past, present, and those in clinical trials, discussing the device designs, limitations, placement and removal techniques, patient eligibility, efficacy, and safety issues.

EXPERT OPINION

Several intragastric balloons were developed over the years that brought excitement to patients and healthcare professionals alike. Albeit good efficacy, there had been several safety issues reported with IGBs such as spontaneous deflation, intestinal occlusion, gut perforation, and mucosal ulcerations. This led to evolution of IGBs design; device material, filling mechanism, fluid type, inflation volume, and further innovations to ease ingestion and removal of device. There are some IGB devices under development aimed to swallow like a conventional pill and excrete naturally through defecation, however, how successful they will be in clinical practice in terms of their efficacy and tolerability remains to be seen in the future.

Efficacy of endoscopic gastrojejunal bypass in obese Yucatan pigs: a comparative animal study

BACKGROUND

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery (NOTES) gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) with duodenal exclusion (DE) could be used as a less invasive alternative to surgical gastric bypass. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of both methods for bariatric purpose.

METHODS

This was a prospective, experimental and comparative study on 27 obese living pigs, comparing 4 groups: GJA alone (group 1, G1), GJA + DE (group 2, G2), surgical gastric bypass (group 3, G3), control group (group 4, G4). GJA was endoscopically performed, using NOTES technic and LAMS, while DE was performed surgically for limb length selection. Animals were followed for 3 months. Primary outcome included technical success and weight change, while secondary endpoints included the rate of perioperative mortality and morbidity, histological anastomosis analysis and biological analysis.

RESULTS

Technical success was 100% in each intervention group. No death related to endoscopic procedures occurred in the endoscopic groups, while early mortality (< 1 month) was 57,1% in the surgical group, all due to anastomotic dehiscence. At 3 months, compared to baseline, mean weight change was + 3,1% in G1 (p = 0,46); -14,9% in G2 (p = 0,17); +5,6% in G3 (p = 0,38) and + 25% in G4 (p = 0,029). Histopathological analysis of endoscopic GJA showed complete fusion of different layers without leak or abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic GJA with DE provides the efficacy of bypass on weight control in an animal model. Next steps consist of the development of devices to perform exclusively endoscopically limb length selection and DE.

Photoactive intragastric satiety-inducing device using polymeric photosensitizers for minimally invasive weight loss treatment

An intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) located in the stomach induce satiety and fullness in the absence of food by continuously pressing on the distal esophagus and cardia of the stomach. To improve the therapeutic function of ISD, Chlorin e6 (Ce6) was embedded in a disk portion of ISD, generating reactive oxygen species and stimulating endocrine cells under the laser irradiation. Since Ce6 has remarkable light efficiency but poor solubility in various solvents, it is essential to use a polymeric photosensitizer and optimize a suitable coating solution composition. Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Ce6 was uniformly coated and the spontaneous release amount of the Ce6 from the device could be reduced, which induced photo-responsive cell death and reduced ghrelin levels in vitro. In mini pigs operated single therapy (PDT or ISD) or combination therapy (Photoreactive ISD), there were differences in body weight (control: 28% vs. Photoreactive ISD: 4%, P < 0.001), ghrelin (control: 4% vs. Photoreactive ISD: 35%, P < 0.001), and leptin levels (control: 8% vs. Photoreactive PDT: 35%, P < 0.001) at 4 weeks.

Best practice approach for redo-surgeries after sleeve gastrectomy, an expert's modified Delphi consensus

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common metabolic and bariatric surgical (MBS) procedure worldwide. Despite the desired effect of SG on weight loss and remission of obesity-associated medical problems, there are some concerns regarding the need to do revisional/conversional surgeries after SG. This study aims to make an algorithmic clinical approach based on an expert-modified Delphi consensus regarding redo-surgeries after SG, to give bariatric and metabolic surgeons a guideline that might help for the best clinical decision.

METHODS

Forty-six recognized bariatric and metabolic surgeons from 25 different countries participated in this Delphi consensus study in two rounds to develop a consensus on redo-surgeries after SG. An agreement/disagreement ≥ 70.0% on statements was considered to indicate a consensus.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached for 62 of 72 statements and experts did not achieve consensus on 10 statements after two rounds of online voting. Most of the experts believed that multi-disciplinary team evaluation should be done in all redo-procedures after SG and there should be at least 12 months of medical and supportive management before performing redo-surgeries after SG for insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, experts agreed that in case of symptomatic GERD in the presence of adequate weight loss, medical treatment for at least 1 to 2 years is an acceptable option and agreed that Roux-en Y gastric bypass is an appropriate option in this situation. There was disagreement consensus on efficacy of omentopexy in rotation and efficacy of fundoplication in the presence of a dilated fundus and GERD.

CONCLUSION

Redo-surgeries after SG is still an important issue among bariatric and metabolic surgeons. The proper time and procedure selection for redo-surgery need careful considerations. Although multi-disciplinary team evaluation plays a key role to evaluate best options in these situations, an algorithmic clinical approach based on the expert's consensus as a guideline can help for the best clinical decision-making.

Endoscopic gastroplasty versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a noninferiority propensity score-matched comparative study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic bariatric therapies are less-invasive alternatives to bariatric surgery, and endoscopic gastroplasty (ESG) represents the latest evolution. This study aims to compare weight loss, safety, and comorbidity resolution of ESG compared with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

METHODS

This was a propensity score-matched study of patients who underwent ESG or LSG. Primary outcome was weight loss at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. A noninferiority margin of 10% total weight loss (%TWL) was used. Secondary outcomes were safety and comorbidity resolution.

RESULTS

A 1:1 propensity score match yielded 3018 patient pairs. Average age and body mass index (BMI) were 34 ± 10 years and 33 ± 3 kg/m², respectively, and 89% were women. Mean percentage of excess weight loss at 1, 2, and 3 years after ESG was 77.1% ± 24.6%, 75.2% ± 47.9%, and 59.7% ± 57.1%, respectively. Mean percentage of excess weight loss at 1, 2, and 3 years after LSG was 95.1% ± 20.5%, 93.6% ± 31.3%, and 74.3% ± 35.2%, respectively. The mean difference in %TWL was 9.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9-11.8; P < .001), 6.0% (95% CI, -2.0 to 9.4; P < .001), and 4.8% (95% CI, -1.5 to 8.7; P < .001) at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Noninferiority was demonstrated at all follow-up visits. Fourteen ESG patients developed adverse events (.5%) versus 10 LSG patients (.3%). Comorbidity remission rates after ESG versus LSG were 64% versus 82% for diabetes, 66% versus 64% for dyslipidemia, and 51% versus 46% for hypertension, respectively. Eighty ESG patients (2.7%) underwent revision to LSG for insufficient weight loss or weight regain, and 28 had resuturing after primary ESG (.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

ESG induces noninferior weight loss to LSG with similar comorbidity resolution and safety profiles.

Endoscopic Intragastric Injection of Botulinum Toxin A in Obese Patients Accelerates Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery: Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial (IntraTox Study)

Background: Intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) has been shown to be effective for weight loss up to six months after administration, according to previous studies. Our objective was to determine, in patients on bariatric surgery waiting lists, the effect of BT-A on weight loss in the pre- and postoperative period and to analyse if there are different responses based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: We performed a follow-up analysis of the IntraTox study, which included 46 patients on bariatric surgery waiting lists in a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The treatment group received intragastric BT-A, whereas the control group received physiological saline solution. The one-time procedure was performed at the time of diagnostic endoscopy 7−8 months before surgery. Weight loss was evaluated at admission and after 4 and 12 weeks from the bariatric surgery. Our analysis was stratified by BMI at randomisation. Results: weight loss percentage on the day of surgery, with respect to the initial visit, was −4.5 ± 3.9% for the control group vs. −7.6 ± 4.2%, for the treatment group (p = 0.013). Weight loss percentage tended to remain greater in the treatment group one month after the intervention (−12.7 ± 4.7% vs. −15.2 ± 4.6%, p = 0.07) and become similar three months after (−21.6 ± 4.7% vs. −21.6 ± 4.6%). After stratifying by BMI, only patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 allocated to the treatment group obtained a greater weight loss at the end of the trial, the day of surgery, and one month after, compared with the placebo group (−4.9 ± 4.9%, −10.8 ± 5.3% and −17.1 ± 3.8% vs. −0.1 ± 2.6%, −4.3 ± 3.2% and −12.8 ± 4.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: intragastric injection of BT-A is effective to achieve significant weight loss, especially in extreme obesity. Its use before bariatric surgery enhances perioperative weight loss.

Bariatric Surgery and Solid-Organ Transplantation

Morbid obesity and being overweight are a growing problem worldwide. They also affect patients with end-stage solid-organ disease and patients after transplant. Bariatric surgery is the most effective available weight loss procedure. Bariatric surgery can be helpful for the treatment of some conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which may lead to transplant, and weight loss can improve or even reverse them. In other cases, morbid obesity is a limitation to accessing a transplant program, so bariatric surgery can serve as a conduit to transplant. After transplant, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities can be a significant health problem that may be treated, as in patients without a transplant, with bariatric surgery. There are some specific conditions and issues to be considered in patients with end-stage solid-organ disease who are candidates for bariatric surgery, such as increased morbidity and mortality. After transplant, immunosuppressant regimens and technical limitations may be also significant.

Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity and Nutritional Aspects of Bariatric Endoscopy

Obesity is a significant problem worldwide. Several serious diseases that decrease patient quality of life and increase mortality (high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes etc.) are associated with obesity. Obesity treatment is a multidisciplinary and complex process that requires maximum patient compliance. Change of lifestyle is fundamental in the treatment of obesity. While pharmacotherapeutic options are available, their efficacy is limited. Surgical treatment though highly effective, carries the risk of complications and is thus indicated mostly in advanced stages of obesity. Endoscopic treatments of obesity are less invasive than surgical options, and are associated with fewer complications and nutritional deficits. Currently, there is a large spectrum of endoscopic methods based on the principles of gastric volume reduction, size restriction and gastric or small bowel bypass being explored with only few available in routine practice. The aim of this publication is to present an up-to-date summary of available endoscopic methods for the treatment of obesity focusing on their efficacy, safety and nutritional aspects.

Spin in the Scientific Literature on Bariatric Endoscopy: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Bariatric endoscopy (BE) is an emerging treatment option for people with obesity. Spin (i.e., the practice of frequent misrepresentation or overinterpretation of study findings) may lead to imbalanced and unjustified optimism in the interpretation of the results. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the frequency and type of spin in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of endoscopic primary weight loss techniques with statistically significant and nonsignificant primary outcomes. In conclusion, spin is observed in the abstract and main text of BE reports and can lead to misinterpretation or overinterpretation of the results. Since BE challenges the available non-endoscopic treatments for obesity, further research is needed to better qualify these techniques, as being effective and safe, as well as predefined hypotheses and analyses.

Management of Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Literature Review

With the recent urbanization and globalization, the adult obesity rate has been increasing, which was paralleled with a dramatic surge in the incidence and prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD poses a growing threat to human health as it represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries. It encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions starting from a build-up of fat in hepatocytes (steatosis), to developing inflammation (steatohepatitis), and reaching up to cirrhosis. It is also associated with higher rates of cardiovascular mortalities. Therefore, proper timely treatment is essential and weight loss remains the cornerstone in the treatment of obesity-related liver diseases. When diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are not successful, the current recommendation for weight loss includes antiobesity medications and bariatric endoscopic and surgical interventions. These interventions have shown to result in significant weight loss and improve liver steatosis and fibrosis. In the current literature review, we highlight the expected outcomes and side effects of the currently existing options to have a weight-centric NAFLD approach.

Contamination of single fluid-filled intragastric balloons with orogastric fluid is not associated with hyperinflation: an ex-vivo study and systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous hyperinflation is reported to the Food and Drug Administration as a complication of intragastric balloons. It is postulated that orogastric contamination of the intragastric balloon may cause this phenomenon. We sought to investigate the effects of intentional balloon contamination with gastric contents on intragastric balloon perimeter and contents, whether methylene blue plays a role in preventing spontaneous hyperinflation, and review the available literature on spontaneous hyperinflation.

METHODS

Four pairs of balloons with different combinations of sterile saline, orogastric contaminants, and methylene blue were incubated in a 37 °C water bath for six months to simulate physiological conditions with serial measurements of balloon perimeter. Our findings were compared against a systematic review across multiple databases to summarize the available literature.

RESULTS

Balloon mean perimeter decreased from 33.5 cm ± 0.53 cm to 28.5 cm ± 0.46 cm (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were seen with the methylene blue group. Only 11 cases were found reported in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite contaminating intragastric balloons with gastric aspirates, hyperinflation did not occur, and other factors may be in play to account for this phenomenon, when observed. Rates of hyperinflation remain under-reported in the literature. Further controlled experiments are needed.

Nutritional consequences of endoluminal gastroplasty in the treatment of morbidly obese patients

BACKGROUND

The Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is one of the new advanced restrictive techniques of bariatric endoscopy. The principle of this bariatric technique is the reduction of stomach volume through endoscopic plication. The long-term efficacy and metabolic effects of this procedure are the subject of this study.

METHODS

20 patients were enrolled; four men, sixteen women. Then they were followed for 24 months in terms of glycemic control, body composition, vitamin, and nutritional status. Observed parameters included glucose, triacylglycerols, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, micro and macro nutrients, fat mass, and lean body mass.

RESULTS

We observed significant weight loss and a decrease body composition resulted from procedure vs. baseline, with levels of blood glucose also showing statistically significant reductions. The most notable decline in measured values was observed in period six months after the procedure. No significant changes were observed in measurement of micronutrients.

CONCLUSIONS

Good restriction results were obtained following ESG, which might be mediated via altered glucose metabolism. The ESG method has shown a positive effect on fat and muscle mass. Unlike surgical methods, there were no deficits or deficiencies, especially in terms of essential vitamin levels.

The First Study Evaluating Effectiveness and Safety of the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in HIV Patients

The authors evaluated, retrospectively, the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty impact in seven HIV patients, regarding effectiveness and safety outcomes. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 33.76 kg/m². The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 690.43 cells/mm³, and the baseline viral load was undetectable. After 6 months, absolute weight loss, percentage of excess weight loss, percentage total weight loss, and BMI reduction were 20.2 ± 2.6 kg, 85.5 ± 11.1%, 21.3 ± 2.4%, and 7.1 ± 0.8 kg/m², respectively. No patients presented severe adverse events. After 6 months, the viral load remained undetectable and the mean CD4+ cell count was 710.57 cells/mm³. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an effective and safe procedure to perform in obese HIV patients.

Intragastric satiety-inducing device reduces food intake and suppresses body weight gain in a rodent model

BACKGROUND

An intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) (Full Sense Device; Baker, Foote, Kemmeter, Walburn, LLC, Grand Rapids, MI) is a novel weight-loss device, which may induce satiety by applying continuous pressure on the gastric cardia. This study investigated the effect of the ISD on food intake and body weight gain in a rodent model.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 250-300 g) were randomly divided into four groups of eight individuals. Single-disk (SD) and double-disk (DD) group animals underwent peroral placement of a single- or double-disk ISD, respectively, under fluoroscopic guidance. The ISD comprised a 4 mm × 1.5 cm nitinol stent placed in the lower esophagus and one (single-disk) or two (double-disk) 2.5-cm-diameter star-shaped nitinol disks placed in the gastric fundus. Esophageal stent (ES) and sham-operated (SO) group animals underwent peroral placement of the ES part of the ISD and a sham operation, respectively.

RESULTS

Food intake was significantly different among the four groups over the 4-week study period (P < 0.001); food intake was significantly lower in the SD and DD groups than in the SO group (P = 0.016 and P = 0.002, respectively) but was not significantly different between the SD and DD groups (P > 0.999) and between the ES and SO groups (P = 0.677). Body weight was significantly different among the four groups by the end of the study period (P < 0.001); body weight was significantly lower in the DD group than in the SD, ES, and SO groups (P = 0.010, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and in the SD group than in the SO group (P = 0.001), but it was not significantly different between the ES and SO groups (P = 0.344).

CONCLUSION

ISD reduced food intake and suppressed body weight gain in a rodent model.

The Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty as an Alternative to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a therapeutic endoscopic technique for reducing the size of the gastric reservoir in obese patients, using a full-thickness endoscopic suturing device. The effectiveness of ESG in weight loss is significantly greater than that of high-intensity diet and lifestyle therapy and lower than that of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The efficacy at 12 months after ESG in terms of percentage of total body weight loss and excess body weight loss was approximately 16% and 60%, respectively. The well-known predictive factors for increased weight loss by ESG are good compliance with regular monitoring and post-procedure care involving a multidisciplinary team approach. Although the underlying mechanism of weight loss induced by ESG is debatable, delayed gastric emptying and early satiation are some of the proposed mechanisms. The pooled rate of adverse events after ESG reported in several meta-analysis studies ranged from 1.5% to 2.3% and the incidence of new-onset gastroesophageal reflux disease after ESG was negligible, indicating that ESG has a superior safety profile to LSG. Moreover, ESG reduced the risk of obesity-related metabolic comorbidities, evidenced by the reduction in HbA1c level, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level, and risk of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis; it even improved the quality of life. ESG could be considered safe and qualify as an alternative treatment to LSG.

Endobariatric procedures for obesity: clinical indications and available options

Obesity remains a growing public health epidemic that has increased healthcare costs and related comorbidities. Current treatment guidelines encourage a multidisciplinary approach starting from patient selection, interventions, and long-term follow-up to maintain weight loss. However, these conservative interventions are largely ineffective at reducing body weight due to low adherence to the treatment regimen. Recently, endoscopic bariatric therapies have become an attractive alternative to traditional invasive bariatric surgeries due to their improved efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Endoscopic bariatric therapies include intragastric balloon placement, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric bypass revision, and aspiration therapy. These procedures fall into two separate categories depending on the primary mechanism involved: restrictive or malabsorptive. Restrictive methods, such as the Orbera® and ReShape™ intragastric balloons, increase satiation and delay gastric emptying while decreasing the amount of food that can be ingested. In contrast, malabsorptive devices, such as the EndoBarrier®, interfere with the small intestine's ability to absorb food while restoring normal gastrointestinal hormone levels regulating satiation. Together, these techniques provide useful alternatives for patients in whom pharmacological or lifestyle modifications have proven ineffective. Despite these advantages, the long-term effects of these procedures on metabolic changes remain to be studied. Furthermore, the management of complications from these procedures continues to evolve. In this review, we aim to elaborate on the clinical indications and efficacy of the endobariatric procedures, together with various types of available endoscopic bariatric therapy procedures.

EndoPil: A Magnetically Actuated Swallowable Capsule for Weight Management: Development and Trials

Intragastric balloons (IGBs), by occupying the stomach space and prolonging satiety, is a promising method to treat obesity and consequently improves its associated comorbidities, e.g. coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. However, existing IGBs are often tethered with tubes for gas or liquid delivery or require endoscopic assistance for device delivery or removal, which are usually uncomfortable, costly, and may cause complications. This paper presents a novel tetherless, magnetically actuated capsule (EndoPil) which can deploy an IGB inside the stomach after being swallowed and being activated by an external magnet. The external magnet attracts a small magnet inside the EndoPil to open a valve, triggering the chemical reaction of citric acid and potassium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas, which inflates a biocompatible balloon (around 120 mL). A prototype, 13 mm in diameter and 35 mm in length, was developed. Simulations and bench-top tests were conducted to test the force capability of the magnetic actuation mechanism, the required force to activate the valve, and the repeatability of balloon inflation. Experiments on animal and human were successfully conducted to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of inflating a balloon inside the stomach by an external magnet.

Endoscopic intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A in obese patients on bariatric surgery waiting lists: A randomised double-blind study (IntraTox study)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Several studies have evaluated the effect of intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A to treat obesity, achieving mixed results. Our objective is to determine the effect of intragastric botulinum toxin A on weight loss, satiety, biomarkers, and quality of life of obese patients prior bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Design: single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 52 obese patients on bariatric surgery waiting lists. Two-arm parallel: the treatment group was administered intragastric botulinum toxin A by endoscopy, whereas the control group was administered physiological saline solution. Weight loss was evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24, as well as changes in body composition, satiety (Visual analogue scale (VAS) and GCSI questionnaire), quality of life (GIQLI questionnaire), and biomarkers of satiety and appetite.

RESULTS

Weight loss at weeks 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 after the endoscopy, with respect to the basal visit, was 0.6 ± 2 kg, 0.4 ± 2.7 kg, 0.4 ± 3.1 kg, 0.2 ± 4.5 kg, and 0.6 ± 4.3 kg for the control group vs 1.9 ± 2.1 kg, 2 ± 2.6 kg, 2.8 ± 4.1 kg, 3.5 ± 5.3 kg, and 4.5 ± 7 kg for the treatment group, respectively, being differences between groups significant at all times (p = 0.016, 0.031, 0.014, 0.021, and 0.023, respectively). Treatment group patients obtained a significantly higher score for GIQLI questionnaire compared with baseline (104.4 ± 13.9 points vs 97.7 ± 15.6 points; p = 0.024), showing a significant improvement in the section of subjective physical capacity. No significant differences were found regarding perception of satiety, or biomarkers of satiety and appetite.

CONCLUSIONS

Intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A is an effective and safe procedure to achieve a moderate weight loss and improve quality of life. Registered under clinicaltrialsregister.eu Identifier EudraCT number 2015-004391-29 https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2015-004391-29/ES.

Safety and short-term effectiveness of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty using overstitch: preliminary report from a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an option for patients with Class I and II obesity or patients who refuse to undergo a laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to demonstrate a short-term outcome after primary ESG and (2) to compare the effectiveness of weight loss between Class I and Class II obesity patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing ESG at four bariatric centers in Brazil between April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 were prospectively enrolled in the study (BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m²). ESG was performed using Overstitch (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX). Descriptive analysis, t test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test were used to present the results.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients underwent primary ESG. The mean age and BMI of the patients were 41.1 years and 34.7 kg/m², respectively. Following ESG, the mean percentage of total weight loss (TWL) was 17.1% at 6 months and 19.7% at 12 months. Percentage of excess BMI loss (EBMIL) was 47.3% at 6 months and 54.8% at 12 months after ESG. The mean EBMIL was significantly greater among patients with Class I obesity than those with Class II obesity at 6 (51.1% vs. 43.7%) and 12 months (60.2% vs. 49.2%). One patient experienced bleeding during the procedure that was managed with sclerotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Short-term results suggest that ESG is a safe and effective option for patients with Class I and II obesity.

Endoscopic devices and techniques for the management of bariatric surgical adverse events (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, increasing numbers of patients undergo bariatric surgery. Management of adverse events of bariatric surgery may be challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Endoscopic intervention is often the first line of therapy for management of these adverse events. This document reviews technologies and techniques used for endoscopic management of adverse events of bariatric surgery, organized by surgery type.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched through May 2018 for articles related to endoscopic management of adverse events of bariatric interventions by using relevant keywords such as adverse events related to "gastric bypass," "sleeve gastrectomy," "laparoscopic adjustable banding," and "vertical banded sleeve gastroplasty," in addition to "endoscopic treatment" and "endoscopic management," among others. Available data regarding efficacy, safety, and financial considerations are summarized.

RESULTS

Common adverse events of bariatric surgery include anastomotic ulcers, luminal stenoses, fistulae/leaks, and inadequate initial weight loss or weight regain. Devices used for endoscopic management of bariatric surgical adverse events include balloon dilators (hydrostatic, pneumatic), mechanical closure devices (clips, endoscopic suturing system, endoscopic plication platform), luminal stents (covered esophageal stents, lumen-apposing metal stents, plastic stents), and thermal therapy (argon plasma coagulation, needle-knives), among others. Available data, composed mainly of case series and retrospective cohort studies, support the primary role of endoscopic management. Multiple procedures and techniques are often required to achieve clinical success, and existing management algorithms are evolving.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopy is a less invasive alternative for management of adverse events of bariatric surgery and for revisional procedures. Endoscopic procedures are frequently performed in the context of multidisciplinary management with bariatric surgeons and interventional radiologists. Treatment algorithms and standards of practice for endoscopic management will continue to be refined as new dedicated technology and data emerge.

Brazilian Consensus on Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

PURPOSE

Bariatric endoscopy is a less invasive approach for obesity management, with better efficacy than pharmacological treatment and low morbidity. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is the remodeling of the stomach using a suturing device showing technical feasibility, safety, and sustained weight loss. With growing numbers of procedures worldwide, there is a need to standardize the procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consensus meeting was held in São Caetano do Sul-SP, Brazil, in June 2019, bringing together 47 Brazilian endoscopists with experience in ESG from all regions of the country. Topics on indications and contraindications of the procedure, pre-procedure evaluation and multidisciplinary follow-up, technique and post-procedure follow-up, and training requirements were discussed. An electronic voting was carried, and a consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement.

RESULTS

The panel's experience consisted of 1828 procedures, with a mean percentage total body weight loss (TBWL) of 18.2% in 1 year. Adverse events happened in 0.8% of the cases, the most common being hematemesis. The selected experts discussed and reached a consensus on several questions concerning patient selection, contraindications for the procedure, technical details such as patient preparation, procedure technique, and patient follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus establishes practical guidelines for performance of ESG. The experience of 1828 procedures shows the expertise of the selected specialists participating in this consensus statement. The group's experience has a satisfactory weight loss with low adverse events rate. The main points discussed in this paper may serve as a guide for endoscopists performing ESG. Practical recommendations and technique standardization are described.

Reinforced POSE: the 18-Plication Solution

BACKGROUND

Obesity is one of the main challenges in the first world nowadays. New alternatives are needed and endoscopic endoluminal approaches are gaining importance against the risky surgery and the non-efficient pharmacological treatments. Nevertheless, these techniques seem to be inefficient in obese III patients. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the safety and efficiency of the new reinforced POSE 18-plication protocol.

METHODS

Mean body mass index (BMI) ≈ 47 kg/m² obese type III patients were treated in different Spanish centers with the new POSE method consisting of 18 plications in the stomach body. On the other hand, 15 lower body mass patients BMI ≈ 40 kg/m² were treated with the standard POSE method previously described.

RESULTS

Three months follow-up shows an overall % total weight loss (TWL) and % excess weight loss (EWL) of 15% and 41% respectively for standard POSE and 17% and 36% for the new reinforced POSE18. Both are equally safe and the endpoint weight loss objectives are reached. Endoluminal procedures have been demonstrated to be useful in overweight and obese type I/II. However, bariatric surgery is recommended for higher BMI > 40 kg/m². We successfully applied a non-standard POSE protocol and the patients reached 17%TWL in 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that reinforced POSE 18 can be successfully applied in obese type III; it is safer than bariatric surgery and there are no associated risks when compared with standard endoscopic surgery.

Current and Future Endoscopic Weight Loss Solutions

Obesity poses a significant health care concern in the United States, with 39.8% of adults being classified as obese. Several different methods have been introduced to combat obesity, from medical therapy to surgical options. Bariatric surgery has been demonstrated to be superior to medical therapy alone for weight loss in obese patients. Despite this information, only about 1% of eligible patients undergo bariatric surgery per year. The reason for this treatment gap is multifactorial, but patient apprehension to undergo surgery is a major driving force. Many patients perceive bariatric surgery as dangerous, and believe that living with their current weight is safer than undergoing surgery. To combat this treatment gap, endoscopic therapies have been developed to reach more patients in a less invasive way. This article will review endoscopic treatment options currently available and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, as well as other treatment modalities that are currently in development.

The Safety and Efficacy of Procedureless Gastric Balloon: a Study Examining the Effect of Elipse Intragastric Balloon Safety, Short and Medium Term Effects on Weight Loss with 1-Year Follow-Up Post-removal

INTRODUCTION

The Ellipse intragastric balloon (EIGB) is a new swallowable balloon that does not require endoscopy at insertion or removal. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety of EIGB and its efficiency in weight reduction even after 1 year of expulsion.

METHOD

Prospective study on our initial experience with a consecutive group of patients who underwent the insertion of EIGB in the period between September 2016 and February 2017. The patients were followed up to assess pain, nausea, and vomiting after procedure. As well as, the time of balloon extraction, route of extraction, and weight loss.

RESULTS

Total of 112 patients underwent EIGB placement. A 1-year follow-up was obtained on 85% of patients. Mean weight and BMI before the procedure 92.2 kg and 34.3 kg/m², respectively. One patient had small bowel obstruction. Six patients did not tolerate EIGB and three patients had early deflation. Total weight loss % (TWL%) 10.7, 10.9, and 7.9% at 3, 6, and at date of last follow-up. When data were stratified according to BMI into two groups: group 1 (BMI 27.5-34.9) and group 2 (BMI 35-49), the TWL% for group 1 at 3 months, 6 months, and last day of follow-up are as follows: 10.2%, 10.6%, and 8.8%, while it was 11.5%, 11.2%, and 6.6% for group 2.

CONCLUSION

EIGB are effective, safe, and feasible non-invasive method for weight loss.

Comorbidity Remission Following Intragastric Dual Balloon Placement

The intragastric dual balloon was FDA approved in 2015 for the treatment of obesity. The objective of this study was to report the weight loss, comorbidity remission, and biochemical improvements experienced by 28 patients following intragastric dual balloon placement at a single institution between September 2015 and June 2017. Demographic data were collected preoperatively. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data were collected preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Two patients were lost to data follow-up. Participants experienced significant improvements in blood pressure and lipid profiles, in addition to substantial weight loss 6 months after balloon insertion. The results of this study underscore the promise of the intragastric dual balloon as an efficacious intervention for weight loss and comorbidity remission in patients with early-stage obesity.

Bariatric endoscopy procedure type or follow-up: What predicted success at 1 year in 962 obese patients?

Background and study aims  It is uncertain if the difference in weight loss outcomes between different endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) is technique-related or multidisciplinary team (MDT) follow-up-related. We hypothesized that at 1 year, the weight loss is determined more by adherence to MDT follow-up than by procedure type. We aimed to compare 1 year weight loss outcomes of four different EBTs at a single center with a standardized MDT follow-up. Patients and methods  We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed outcomes in 962 patients (female-691, 71.2 %; mean age, 44.8 ± 10.6 years, mean BMI, 37.8 ± 5.9 Kg/m ² ) treated with Intragastric balloons (IGBs) or endoscopic gastroplasty (EG) at HM Sanchinarro University Hospital between March 2012 to January 2017. The procedures were performed by the same endoscopist and followed up by the same MDT. We compared the percentage total body weight loss (%TWBL) at 1 year. We performed linear and logistic regression to identify predictive factors for weight loss and follow-up adherence at 1 year. Results  Four hundred and eighty-one IGBs (Orbera-80.9 %; ReShape Duo-19.1 %), and 481 EG (Apollo ESG-51.3 %; Primary obesity surgery endoluminal-POSE-48.6 %) were performed. Only 480 patients (IGB- 45 %; EG- 55 %) completed 1 year follow-up. Among them, Apollo ESG achieved significantly higher TBWL (19.5 ± 13 %, P  = 0.035), %TBWL (17.4 ± 10.2 %, P  = 0.025), and ≥ 20 % TBWL (36.7 %, P  = 0.032). However, in linear regression after adjusting for variables, only higher initial BMI (B = 0.31, P  < 0.001) and higher percentage follow-up attendance (B = 0.24, P  < 0.001) significantly predicted %TBWL at 1 year in the completion group but not the procedure type (B = 0.02, P  = 0.72). In logistic regression, we observed female sex ( P  = 0.01), high initial BMI ( P  < 0.001), endoscopic gastroplasty ( P  = 0.04), and high 1-month %TBWL ( P  < 0.001) significantly predicted follow-up completion at 1 year. Conclusions  Weight loss at 1 year is dependent on MDT follow-up rather than procedure type. Endoscopic gastroplasty promoted follow-up adherence more than IGBs.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in 109 Consecutive Children and Adolescents With Obesity: Two-Year Outcomes of a New Modality

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) uses full-thickness sutures that restrict the stomach to a sleeve-like configuration. There is no published evidence on endoscopic tissue apposition techniques in pediatric patients. In this article, we report our ESG experience with the first 109 pediatric patients with obesity who underwent ESG under our care.

METHODS

ESG was offered as a day-case procedure under a standardized protocol and clinical pathway that included surgical, medical, and endoscopic modalities for the treatment of pediatric and adult obesity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03778697.

RESULTS

The 109 patients in this study had a baseline body mass index and age of 33.0 ± 4.7 and 17.6 ± 2.2 (range: 10-21) years, respectively. Ninety-nine (90.8%) were females. The mean procedure time was 61 ± 19 minutes. The mean % total weight loss at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 14.4% ± 6.5%, 16.2% ± 8.3%, 15.4% ± 9.2%, and 13.7% ± 8.0%, respectively. Fourteen adolescents visited the ambulatory clinic for analgesia. One patient (aged 19.8 years) requested removal of endoscopic stitches due to abdominal pain, and another underwent Redo-ESG for insufficient weight loss. There were no blood transfusions, emergency admissions, mortality, or significant morbidity.

DISCUSSION

In this first study to date on ESG in pediatric patients, we observed that the procedure is safe and effective in children and adolescents with obesity. Significant weight loss occurs during the first 2 years without mortality or significant morbidity, and this weight loss seems to be maintained.

The Impact of Dietician Support and Behavioural Therapy in Addition to Concomitant Treatment with Intragastric Balloon in Obese Patients

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Patients treated with intragastric balloon (IGB) may benefit from treatment and follow-up by a multidisciplinary team, where the dietician is considered the only essential professional besides the endoscopist. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of dietician support and behavioral therapy in terms of weight loss in patients concomitantly treated with IGB while the device is in situ.

METHODS

Patients with IGB in situ, in period 2005-2018, were invited to undergo a dietician check-up (DC) every 1.5 months, accompanied by cognitive behavioral therapy. Considering their attendance at the dietician check-ups (DCs), patients were categorized as non-compliant (0 DC), partially compliant (1-2 DCs), and highly compliant (≥ 3 DCs). A comparison was made among the three groups regarding % of total body weight loss (%TBWL) and ΔBMI at 180 ± 15 days when the IGB was in situ.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-three obese patients treated with fluid-filled IGB were included. Body weight data at 180 ± 15 days during the IGB in situ, as well as attendance at the DCs, were available for 170 out of 183 patients. There was no difference among compliant, partially compliant, and non-compliant patients to DCs regarding %TBWL at 180 ± 15 days (p = 0.17). However, non-compliant patients had a higher ΔBMI at 180 ± 15 days in comparison to those compliant or partially compliant to DCs (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Despite its undisputed educational role, attendance at DCs does not seem to correlate with an additional weight loss while the IGB is in situ.

Adverse Events of the Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Liner: a Systematic Review

A systematic review was conducted on adverse events (AEs) associated with the use of the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched up to January 2018. The quality of reporting AEs was determined by the McHarm questionnaire and the risk of bias by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Thirty-eight studies were included. The comparability of the studies was low and the McHarm questionnaire showed incompleteness for most parameters in all studies. A total of 891 AEs were reported in 1056 patients. Thirty-three AEs (3.7%) were classified as severe, including hepatic abscess and esophageal perforation. The anchor of the DJBL caused or likely caused 85% of the SAEs. To improve the safety margin of the DJBL, adjustments to the anchoring system are needed.

New Era: Endoscopic treatment options in obesity–a paradigm shift

The prevalence of obesity continues to rise, and along with it comes a multitude of health-related consequences. The healthcare community has consistently struggled with providing treatment options to obese patients, in part due to the reluctance of patients in pursuing the more effective (yet invasive) surgical approaches such as sleeve gastrectomy and Rou-en-Y gastric bypass. On the other hand, the less invasive approach such as lifestyle/behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy (Orlistat, Phenteramine, Phentermine/Topiramate, Locaserin, Naltrexon/Buproprion, and Liraglutide) have very limited efficacy, especially in the morbidly obese patients. Despite our best efforts, the epidemic of obesity continues to rise and pose enormous costs on our healthcare system and society. Bariatric endoscopy is an evolving field generated to combat this epidemic through minimally invasive techniques. These procedures can be performed in an ambulatory setting, are potentially reversible, repeatable, and pose less complications than their invasive surgical counterparts. These modalities are designed to alter gut metabolism by means of space occupation, malabsorption, or restriction. In this review we will discuss different bariatric endoscopic options (such as intragastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, endoscopic aspiration therapies and gastrointestinal bypass sleeves), their advantages and disadvantages, and suggest a new paradigm where providers may start incorporating this modality in their treatment approach for obese patients.

Short-term outcomes of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in 1000 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Questions related to the safety and long-term efficacy of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) are not yet answered. Here we report weight loss, morbidity, revisions, and comorbidity resolution during the first 18 months after primary ESG.

METHODS

This is a consecutive case series from a prospective observational study executed in a specialized center with a standardized pathway for multimodal management of obesity.

RESULTS

The 1000 patients in this study had a baseline body mass index of 33.3 ± 4.5 kg/m² and age of 34.4 ± 9.5 years. Eight hundred ninety-seven patients (89.7%) were women. Mean percentage of total weight loss at 6, 12, and 18 months was 13.7% ± 6.8% (n = 369; follow-up rate = 423; 87.2%), 15.0% ± 7.7% (n = 216; follow-up rate = 232; 93.1%), and 14.8% ± 8.5% (n = 54; follow-up rate = 63; 85.7%), respectively. Lost to follow-up at the 12- and 18-month visits were 6.9% and 14.3%, respectively. Thirteen of 17 cases of diabetes, all 28 cases of hypertension, and 18 of 32 cases of dyslipidemia were in complete remission by the third month. With regard to postoperative complaints, 924 patients (92.4%) complained of nausea or abdominal pain that was controlled with medications during the first week after ESG. Twenty-four patients were readmitted: 8 for severe abdominal pain, of whom 3 had ESG reversal; 7 for postprocedure bleeding, 2 of whom received 2 units of packed red blood cells each; 4 for perigastric collection with pleural effusion, 3 of whom underwent percutaneous drainage; and 5 for postprocedure fever with no sequelae. Eight patients were revised to sleeve gastrectomy, and 5 had redo-ESG. No patient required an emergency intervention, and there were no mortalities.

CONCLUSIONS

ESG appears to be well tolerated, safe, and effective. Significant weight loss occurs during the first 18 months without mortality or significant morbidity. Some patients require revision or reversal during the first year.

Evolution of Endoscopic Bariatric Devices: From Development to Practice

OBJECTIVES

To familiarize medical providers with the Food and Drug Administration approval process for antiobesity devices and to provide a brief overview of current and promising endoscopy-based bariatric devices.

METHODS

Literature review of published scholarly articles.

RESULTS

There has been a rapid development of novel endoscopic bariatric therapies in recent years, resulting in the approval of multiple devices. Several promising endoscopic strategies are currently under investigation and review. The Food and Drug Administration has laid down an objective-tiered model to review antiobesity device applications.

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic bariatric devices provide a new and promising paradigm in obesity management both as first-line therapy and as adjunctive treatment to medical and surgical strategies. Physicians who plan to offer endoscopic bariatric therapy in their practice need appropriate understanding of the regulatory processes involved in the development and approval of such devices.

Exclusively endoscopic approach to treating gastric perforation caused by an intragastric balloon: case series and literature review

Background and study aims  Obesity is a serious disease, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have been in use since the 1980s. After the insertion of an IGB, complications such as migration of the device and even severe gastric perforation can occur, requiring laparoscopic surgery. Here, we report three cases of gastric perforation after IGB insertion. In all three cases, the perforation was successfully repaired through an exclusively endoscopic approach.

Intragastric Balloon Hyperinsufflation as a Cause of Acute Obstructive Abdomen

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the Orbera balloon for obesity treatment. However, the Food and Drug Administration later issued a warning about the possibility of 2 complications not previously reported: acute pancreatitis and balloon hyperinsufflation. This case report is intended to alert all clinicians that, although rare, cases of hyperinsufflation should be considered in patients with an intragastric balloon (IGB) and acute abdomen. IGB removal will resolve the complaints, provided there is no irreversible ischemia of the stomach walls. Care should be taken with respect to an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration at the time of balloon removal, and endotracheal intubation is highly recommended.

ENDOSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTROPLASTY FOR OBESITY TREATMENT: TWO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Background:

Bariatric endoscopic techniques are minimally invasive and induce gastric volume reduction to treat obesity. Aim: To evaluate endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (Apollo method) using a suturing method directed at the greater curvature, as well as the perioperative care, two year safety and weight loss.

Method:

Prospective single-center study over 154 patients (108 females) using the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure under general anesthesia with overnight inpatient observation. Of the154 initial patients, 143 were available for 1-month of follow-up, 133 for 6-month, 64 for 12-month and 28 completed the 24 month assessment. Follow-up was carried out by a multidisciplinary team (nutritionist and psychologist). Outcomes evaluated were: change in BMI; change in body weight (TBWL); % of loss of initial body weight (%TBWL); % of excess body weight loss (%EWL) (segregated in > or <25% and adverse effects. Voluntary oral contrasted radiological examinations were scheduled to assess the gastroplasty at different times post-procedure.

Results:

Mean age was 44.9 (23-69) years. At 24 months after the procedure baseline mean BMI change from 38.3 to 30.8 kg/m². TBWL, %TBWL and %EWL were of 21.3 kg, 19.5% and 60.4% respectively. 85.7% of patients achieve the goal of >25% %EWL. There were no mayor adverse events intraprocedure or during the 24 months of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty with regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary team can be considered an effective, safe and well tolerated procedure for obesity treatment, at least for two years of follow-up.

ReShape Intragastric Balloon Complicated by Gastric Perforation and Peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a growing global epidemic with tremendous financial burden and health care costs worldwide. Restrictive surgery has emerged as the definitive treatment option to combat morbid obesity and its associated comorbidities. The advent of endoscopy has new grounds in obesity with the introduction of inflatable balloon placed in the stomach that decreases satiety by volume restriction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report a first case of gastric perforation with peritonitis after ReShape intragastric balloon placement that needed emergent surgical intervention. Decision was made to proceed with exploratory laparotomy, device deflation, and removal with subsequent gastric defect repair.

RESULTS

Postoperative period was uneventful, drain was removed on postoperative day 2, and patient tolerated diet and was discharged home subsequently. Biopsy of the perforation site demonstrated mild non-specific chronic gastritis.

CONCLUSION

In the modern era of minimal invasiveness, any new approach would roar popularity among patients and hence is of utmost importance for clinicians to be constantly educated on scientific research and innovations in their field.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Obesity: a Multicenter Study of 248 Patients with 24 Months Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a technique for managing mild to moderately obese patients. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes, reproducibility, and predictors of weight response in a large multicenter cohort.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ESG between January 2013 and December 2015 in three centers were retrospectively analyzed. All procedures were performed using the Apollo OverStitch device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX). We performed per protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, where patients lost to follow-up were considered failures. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We included 248 patients (mean age 44.5 ± 10 years, 73% female). Baseline BMI was 37.8 ± 5.6 kg/m². At 6 and 24 months, 33 and 35 patients were lost to follow-up, respectively. At 6 and 24 months, %TBWL was 15.2 [95%CI 14.2-16.3] and 18.6 [15.7-21.5], respectively. Weight loss was similar between centers at both follow-up intervals. At 24 months, % of patients achieving ≥10% TBWL was 84.2 and 53% with PP and ITT analyses, respectively. On multivariable linear regression analysis, only %TBWL at 6 months strongly predicted %TBWL at 24 months (adjusted for age, gender, and baseline BMI, β = 1.21, p < 0.001). The odds of achieving ≥10%TBWL at 24 months if a patient achieved <10%TBWL at 6 months is 0.18 [0.034-0.84]. Five (2%) serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

ESG effectively induces weight loss up to 24 months in moderately obese patients. Failure to achieve adequate weight loss can be predicted early, and patients should be offered adjunctive therapies to augment it.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Bariatric Surgery: A Review of Single-Port Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Bariatric Treatments

Bariatric surgery is an established and effective treatment, not only to combat morbid obesity, but also to address associated metabolic comorbidities. At this time, the cutoff for bariatric or metabolic surgery in terms of body mass index (BMI) is decreasing, making it more feasible for certain individuals to consider minimally invasive surgical options. Innovations in the technique have led to the application of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in the field of bariatrics, which uses a single or no incision in the performance of weight-reducing surgery. To date, there is no consensus regarding patient selection though most candidates for single-port bariatric surgery are female. Some doctors suggest that single-port bariatric surgery may not be recommended in patients with BMI of more than 50 kg/m², height of more than 180 cm, and xiphoid–umbilicus distance of more than 20 cm. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is now the most widely performed bariatric surgery worldwide and single-port SG (SPSG) is already established as a routine procedure in various institutions. Current evidence shows that SPSG is less painful and demonstrates higher rates of patient satisfaction regarding the wound. SPSG is feasible and is recommendable in patients who meet certain criteria. Furthermore, endoscopic treatment modalities such as intragastric balloons and endoluminal malabsorptive devices are being developed to bridge the gap between medical and surgical treatments. Nevertheless, there is still insufficient evidence to prove the superiority of LESS bariatric surgery over conventional laparoscopic surgery. Large, well-designed prospective analyses are needed to determine the criteria for selecting patients suitable to undergo LESS bariatric surgery and to predict the procedure’s role in the growth of bariatric surgery.

Multicenter study on the safety of bariatric endoscopy

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric endoscopy includes a series of specific techniques focused on the management of obese patients. As a quality criterion, safety as expressed by a minimal incidence of serious complications is required in addition to efficacy.

METHODS

A descriptive, retrospective, multicenter review of the experience recorded at seven hospitals included in the Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica (GETTEMO) in order to document the incidence, cause, and resolution (including legal consequences) of serious complications reported for each bariatric technique, and according to endoscopist expertise.

RESULTS

In all, 6,771 bariatric endoscopic procedures were collected, wherein 57 serious complications (0.84%) were identified. Balloons: Orbera®-Medsil®, 5/5,589; Spatz2® (older model): 44/225; Heliosphere®: 1/70; Obalon®: 0/107. Sutures: POSE®, 5/679; sleeve gastroplasty with Apollo® system: 0/55. Prostheses: Endobarrier®: 2/46. All complications were resolved with medical/endoscopic management except for five cases (0.07%) that required surgery. A single lawsuit occurred (esophageal perforation with Spatz2® balloon), which had a favorable outcome. There was no mortality, and apparently no differences were found according to endoscopist expertise level.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multicenter experience, bariatric endoscopy may be considered as a safe procedure (0.84% of serious complications in all). However, some devices may induce a higher proportion of complications, such as 19.55% for Spatz2® balloons (already replaced) or 4.34% for Endobarrier® sleeves (at the upper limit of accepted safety), although our experience with the latter is limited. All complications were resolved with conservative medical management, and only exceptionally required surgery (0.07%). No technique-related mortality was seen, and only one lawsuit occurred. Further evolutionary studies are required on the novel endoscopic techniques presently emerging to authenticate our results.