Endoscopic approaches to obesity

Extrapancreatic Advanced Endoscopic Interventions

As the field of interventional endoscopy advances, conditions that were once treated with surgery are increasingly being treated with advanced endoscopy. Endoscopy is now used for treatment of achalasia, bariatric procedures for obesity; resection of early-stage malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract; and placement of lumen-apposing metal stents in the treatment of biliary obstruction, gastric outlet obstruction, cholecystitis, and drainage of nonpancreatic-related fluid collections or abscesses. Knowledge of the novel terminology, procedural details, expected postintervention imaging findings, and potential complications is vital for radiologists because these procedures are rapidly becoming more mainstream in daily practice. These procedures include peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders; endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and placement of an intragastric balloon for weight loss; endoscopic submucosal dissection in the resection of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract; and therapeutic endoscopic-guided procedures for the treatment of biliary obstruction, gastric outlet obstruction, acute cholecystitis, and drainage of nonpancreatically related fluid collections. Patients benefit from these minimally invasive procedures, with potential improvement in morbidity and mortality rates, decreased length of hospital stay, and decreased health care costs when compared with the surgical alternative. Complications of these procedures include leaks or perforations, infections or abscesses, fistulas, and occlusion and migration of stents. An invited commentary by Pisipati and Pannala is available online. ^©RSNA, 2022.

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.

Endoscopic Gastric Plication for Morbid Obesity: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Published Data over Time

Endoscopic gastric plication or gastroplasty for morbid obesity is gaining worldwide recognition. Data concerning safety and efficacy are rather scarce. Furthermore, clear guidelines are yet to be established. The objective of this meta-analysis is to update the data and investigate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. An online comprehensive search using Cochrane, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase on endoscopic gastric plication was completed. The primary outcome was defined as weight loss at 6 months or more after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were defined as the occurrence of adverse events or complications including insufficient weight loss or regain. I² statistic was used to define the heterogeneity across studies. Twenty-two cohort studies on 7 different devices met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 2475 patients. The mean baseline BMI was 37.8 ± 4.1 kg/m² (median 37.9; range 28.0-60.2). Either a transoral endoluminal stapling or (suction based) (full-thickness) stitching and/or anchor device was used to obtain gastric volume reduction and/or alter gastric outlet. The mean follow-up was 13 months (median 12; range 6-24) for the specified outcomes of each study. Two active, FDA-approved devices were taken into account for meta-analysis: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and the primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE™). Average pooled %EWL at 6 months (p = 0.02) and 12 months (p = 0.04) in favor of ESG was 57.9 ± 3.8% (50.5-65.5, I² = 0.0), 44.4 ± 2.1% (40.2-48.5, I² = 0.0), and 68.3 ± 3.8% (60.9-75.7, I² = 5.8), 44.9 ± 2.1% (40.9-49.0, I² = N/A) for ESG and POSE respectively. Major adverse events without mortality were described in 25 patients (9 studies, p = 0.63). ESG and POSE are both safe and feasible procedures with good short-term weight loss. ESG seems to be superior in terms of weight loss at this point. Few major adverse events are reported and long-term results are awaited.

Evolution of NAFLD and Its Management

The global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be 25% and continues to rise worldwide in the setting of the obesity epidemic. This increase is especially concerning because NAFLD is often a progressive disease that can be associated with significant complications such as liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and an increase in liver-related and overall mortality. Because of the devastating complications and comorbidities, NAFLD is a very costly disease for the healthcare system, with estimated annual direct medical costs exceeding $100 billion in the United States alone. Given this progressive course, it is imperative to make the diagnosis in patients with risk factors (metabolic syndrome, weight gain, and insulin resistance/diabetes). Once the diagnosis is made, the focus should shift to treatment and monitoring for the development of associated complications. Given that currently no pharmaceutical intervention is approved for the treatment of NAFLD, focus shifts instead to mitigation of risk factors through avoidance of foods that are rich in red meat, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and high-fructose corn syrup; are low fiber; and have high energy density. The landmark of treatment, however, continues to be weight loss and improvement of insulin resistance, often through a multimodality approach. The current manuscript reviews the clinical phenotypes of NAFLD, its risk factors, and pathogenesis, as well as treatment options including lifestyle modifications and dietary interventions, medical therapies, endoscopic bariatric interventions, and bariatric surgery.

Endoscopic bariatric therapies for treating obesity: a learning curve for gastroenterologists

Obesity represents a growing public health threat. Until recently, surgery was the primary means for treating pharmacotherapy resistant obese patients. However, therapeutic endoscopy has evolved as an effective and safe alternative strategy. Particularly, endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) can bridge the gap in patients who do not fit the BMI criteria for surgery and fail conservative or medical therapy. Today there are many tools within the realm of EBT available to endoscopists. While there are no formal guidelines for their use, training and use of these tools are limited by the type of institution, preferences of senior endoscopists, cost, and availability. We review different EBT tools available to trainees and gastroenterologist, and the learning curves associated with them.

Role of Endoscopic Gastroplasty Techniques in the Management of Obesity

Health and wellness represent a major global concern. Trends such as a lack of exercise and excessive consumption of calories are major causes of the rapid increase in obesity worldwide. Obesity should be controlled because it can result in other illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, stroke, breathing disorders, or cancer. However, many people have difficulty in managing obesity through exercise, dietary control, behavioral modifications, and drug therapy. Bariatric surgery is not commonly used due to a variety of complications, even though it has been demonstrated to produce reliable results with respect to adequate weight loss when performed using an open or a laparoscopic approach. Endoscopic bariatric procedures are emerging techniques that are less invasive and safer compared with current surgical approaches. However, the evaluation of endoluminal procedures is limited by the small number of studies and their short-term follow-up.

Recent Trends in Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies

Obesity and its associated metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus are severe medical problems that are increasing in prevalence worldwide and result in significant healthcare expenses. While behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches are partly effective in the short term, their effects are not long-lasting. Although previous studies have described bariatric surgery as the most effective treatment for obesity, it is associated with morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Endoluminal interventions performed entirely using gastrointestinal flexible endoscopy offer alternative approaches to the treatment of obesity that are safer and more cost-effective than current surgical approaches. The use of endoluminal techniques in the field of metabolic obesity disease has diverse promising applications including endoscopic gastroplasty, intragastric balloon, endoluminal malabsorptive bariatric procedures, and gastric electrical stimulation (GES) for the modulation of gastric emptying. This review discusses recent trends and roles in endoscopic bariatric therapies using the currently available endoluminal and transgastric technologies.

Asian consensus on the relationship between obesity and gastrointestinal and liver diseases

The incidence of obesity is increasing in Asia, with implications on gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases. The Gut and Obesity in Asia Workgroup comprises regional experts with the aim of studying relationship between obesity and the GI and liver diseases in Asia. Through literature review and the modified Delphi process, consensus statements examining the impact of obesity on esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, and liver diseases, exploring relationship between gut microbiome and obesity, and assessing obesity therapies have been produced by the Gut and Obesity in Asia Workgroup. Sixteen experts participated with 9/15 statements having strong consensus (>80% agreement). The prevalence of obesity in Asia is increasing (100% percentage agreement in brackets), and this increased prevalence of obesity will result in a greater burden of obesity-related GI and liver diseases (93.8%). There was consensus that obesity increases the risk of gastric cancer (75%) and colorectal neoplasia (87.5%). Obesity was also associated with Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma (66.7%) and pancreatic cancer (66.7%) in Asia. The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Asia is on the rise (100%), and the risk of NAFLD in Asia (100%) is increased by obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (93.8%). Regarding therapy, it was agreed that bariatric surgery was an effective treatment modality for obesity (93.8%) but there was less agreement on its benefit for NAFLD (62.5%). These experts' consensus on obesity and GI diseases in Asia forms the basis for further research, and its translation into addressing this emerging issue.

Assessment of Predictive Response Factors to Intragastric Balloon Therapy for the Treatment of Obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that is difficult to control with non-invasive treatments, which usually present poor results. In this context, the intragastric balloon (IGB) is an important tool that presents a mean body weight loss (BWL) estimated at approximately 12%, although individual responses are highly variable.

OBJECTIVES

This study assesses whether there are factors that can predict responses to IGB therapy either before or early after placement of the device.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 obese patients underwent insertion of IGB placed endoscopically, and patients were monitored for 6 months. The evaluated predictive factors involved general characteristics and psychological, social, and dyspeptic aspects, and the preliminary results obtained in the first month after balloon placement.

RESULTS

The mean weight loss was 11.5%, and 48% of the participants presented BWL >10%. Among the factors analyzed before IGB placement, only advanced age (P = .04) and higher scores obtained in the social relationships domain of a shorter version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire (P = .02) were significant. Analysis of the factors evaluated after IGB placement revealed that the BWL amounts observed in week 2 (P = .001) and week 4 (P < .001) and the intensity of dyspeptic symptoms in week 2 (P < .001) were positive predictive factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of predictive factors may help to manage patients with IGB.

Role of endoscopy in the bariatric surgery of patients

Obesity is an increasingly serious health problem in nearly all Western countries. It represents an important risk factor for several gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, Helicobacter pylori infection, colorectal polyps and cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Surgery is the most effective treatment to date, resulting in sustainable and significant weight loss, along with the resolution of metabolic comorbidities in up to 80% of cases. Many of these conditions can be clinically relevant and have a significant impact on patients undergoing bariatric surgery. There is evidence that the chosen procedure might be changed if specific pathological upper gastrointestinal findings, such as large hiatal hernia or Barrett’s esophagus, are detected preoperatively. The value of a routine endoscopy before bariatric surgery in asymptomatic patients (screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy) remains controversial. The common indications for endoscopy in the postoperative bariatric patient include the evaluation of symptoms, the management of complications, and the evaluation of weight loss failure. It is of critical importance for the endoscopist to be familiar with the postoperative anatomy and to work in close collaboration with bariatric surgery colleagues in order to maximize the outcome and safety of endoscopy in this setting. The purpose of this article is to review the role of the endoscopist in a multidisciplinary obesity center as it pertains to the preoperative and postoperative management of bariatric surgery patients.

Natural-orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): minimally invasive evolution or revolution?

Since the first animal experimental laparoscopy in 1902, minimal access techniques have revolutionized surgery. Using the natural orifice dates back to at least the second century when Soranus performed a vaginal hysterectomy. The main difference between traditional endolumenal surgery and the translumenal approach of natural-orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the intentional puncture of a healthy organ in NOTES to access a cavity or other organ. The aim of this review was to examine the past, present, and potential future role of NOTES in the context of other developments in minimal access surgery. NOTES is at an early stage in its development and a convincing benefit over laparoscopy has not been demonstrated. Concerns regarding complications, for example of viscerotomy closure, have limited the widespread uptake of pure NOTES. However, it is likely that technological advances for NOTES surgery will enhance conventional laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques.

Gastrointestinal changes after bariatric surgery

Severe obesity is a preeminent health care problem that impacts overall health and survival. The most effective treatment for severe obesity is bariatric surgery, an intervention that not only maintains long-term weight loss but also is associated with improvement or remission of several comorbidies including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some weight loss surgeries modify the gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, including the secretions and actions of gut peptides. This review describes how bariatric surgery alters the patterns of gastrointestinal motility, nutrient digestion and absorption, gut peptide release, bile acids and the gut microflora, and how these changes alter energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism.