Overview on the endoscopic treatment for obesity: A review

Obesity rates have increased, and so has the need for more specific treatments. This trend has raised interest in non-surgical weight loss techniques that are novel, safe, and straightforward. Thus, the present review describes the endoscopic bariatric treatment for obesity, its most recent supporting data, the questions it raises, and its future directions. Various endoscopic bariatric therapies for weight reduction, such as intragastric balloons (IGBs), aspiration therapy (AT), small bowel endoscopy, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, endoluminal procedures, malabsorption endoscopic procedures, and methods of regulating gastric emptying, were explored through literature sourced from different databases. IGBs, AT, and small bowel endoscopy have short-term effects with a possibility of weight regain. Minor adverse events have occurred; however, all procedures reduce weight. Vomiting and nausea are common side effects, although serious complications have also been observed.

Mapping of Intragastric Balloon Use: a Guide to the Activity of Institutions Through Bibliometry

BACKGROUND

Bibliometric analysis is an effective method for measuring scientific contributions in a variety of fields. It enables the numerical analysis of publications in a specific field and period of time, as well as the relationships between these publications. The present bibliometric analysis of publications relating to obesity treatment by means of intragastric balloons aimed to identify the bariatric centers using intragastric balloons, through the publications relating to their productivity; and furthermore, to reveal collaborations, types of balloons used, number of patients involved, and authors' productivity and favored journals.

METHOD

The PubMed and Scopus databases were used to retrieve only original articles presenting the results in body weight reduction.

RESULTS

Bibliographic research identified 164 publications for the period 2000-2021. Italy was ranked first with 37 publications; USA participated as collaborator with 9 different countries; the fluid-filled Orbera balloon is featured in 126 publications; the journal Obesity Surgery hosted 86 publications; Brazil reported the greatest number of patients with 5874 cases; Lorenzo M and Genco A, co-authors from Italy, authored 14 and 12 publications, respectively, and the most cited article was that of Genco et al. [2007] with 441 citations.

CONCLUSIONS

Bibliometric analysis gave us the opportunity to identify the centers through their scientific publications and to classify them in relation to their productivity in articles, in collaborations, in number of cases reported, and in the number of citations gained.

Real-World Experience of Intragastric Balloons for Obesity: Insights from the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Database

Intragastric balloons have been used to bridge the obesity treatment gap. We aim to investigate the number and type of complications associated with intragastric balloons using public-access governmental databanks. We analyzed post-marketing surveillance data from the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database from Jan 2017 through Nov 2020. During the study period, approximately 773 cases with 830 device issues and 1134 patient complications were identified. Most balloon complications were due to leaks (33.4%). The most reported adverse events were vomiting (26.6%), abdominal pain (25.3%), and nausea (15.8%). Findings from the MAUDE database highlight patient and device adverse outcomes that should be addressed to improve clinical success.

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.

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.

Response Rates with the Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon

BACKGROUND

Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have demonstrated efficacy; however, the percent of "responders" (> 25% estimated weight loss (EWL) or > 10% total body weight loss (TBWL)-as suggested by FDA) have been less reported. The Spatz3 adjustable intragastric balloon (AIGB) extends implantation to 1 year, decreases balloon volume for intolerance, and increases volume for diminishing effect.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy/responder rate of the Spatz3 AIGB.

METHODS

Implantations of Spatz3 in 165 consecutive patients (pts) in 2 centers were retrospectively reviewed. Mean BMI is 35.7, mean weight (wt) 99.1 kg, and mean balloon volume 495 ml (400-600 ml). Balloon volume adjustments were offered for intolerance and for wt loss plateau.

RESULTS

In total, 165 pts were implanted yielding mean wt loss of 16.3 kg, 16.4% TBWL, and 67.4% EWL. Response (> 25% EWL; 10% TBWL) was achieved in 146/165 (88.5%) of patients. Response rates differed for 136 pts with BMI < 40 (91.2%) and 29 pts with BMI > 40 (69%). Down adjustments in 20 patients (mean - 150 ml) allowed 16/20 (80%) to continue IGB therapy. Up adjustments in 64 patients (mean 5.4 months; mean + 260 ml) yielded additional mean wt loss of 5.7 kg. One gastric perforation (0.6%) occurred in a patient who experienced abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Five patients with small ulcers did not require balloon extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Within the limitations of a retrospective review, the Spatz3 balloon appears to be an effective wt loss balloon with better response rates in BMI < 40. (2) Up adjustments yielded a mean 5.7 kg extra wt loss. (3) Down adjustments alleviated early intolerance in 80% of patients. (4) These two adjustment functions may be instrumental in yielding a responder rate of 88.5%.

Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies: Intragastric Balloons, Tissue Apposition, and Aspiration Therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) have been identified as a group of procedures that can bridge the treatment gap between bariatric surgical procedures and non-procedural treatments such as pharmacotherapy and lifestyle therapy. We will review the recent progress that has been made in this important area in the past several years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Traditional intragastric balloons (IGB) that are both placed and removed endoscopically have been the fixture of IGB therapy. They have been shown to be safe and effective, when kept in place for 6 months. Newer IGBs, both currently FDA approved and those in clinical trials, have unique features. The Obalon gastric balloon system is gas filled and does not require endoscopy for placement. The Elipse balloon system that is in clinical trials neither requires endoscopy for placement nor removal. The Spatz3 balloon is in clinical trials and can be adjusted endoscopically by adding or subtracting volume to titrate balloon volume to symptoms and weight loss. In addition to IGBs, several other promising therapies have continued to evolve. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a promising gastric restriction technique that has efficacy and durability. POSE is a gastric plication technique that is available in Europe and in clinical trials in the USA. Aspiration therapy is a novel approach to weight loss that requires patient compliance but can be very effective and used long term. EBTs are an evolving effective and safe approach for patients who do not qualify for or do not want bariatric surgery. There are multiple EBTs currently FDA approved as well as prospective endoscopic therapies in clinical trials that appear promising.

Various Intragastric Balloons Under Clinical Investigation

Obesity is a chronic disease with an exponentially increasing incidence rate, and its negative effects are well documented in numerous studies. As a result, the importance of bariatric therapy cannot be overemphasized, and many bariatric treatment methods with varying mechanisms have been developed. Of the available treatment methods, intragastric balloons, introduced in the 1980s, have been shown to be a safe and effective treatment modality; various intragastric balloon products have been developed and are currently being widely used in clinical settings. However, the disadvantages of intragastric balloons, such as unclear long-term weight loss benefits and complications experienced during insertion and removal, preclude their wider use. In this review, we discuss different intragastric balloon products, focusing on those under clinical investigation, and suggest future research directions.

Incidence of nausea and vomiting after intragastric balloon placement in bariatric patients - A systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Surg. 2018;57:22-29. [PMID: 30031839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.06.038]

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to examine the rates of nausea and vomiting along with other common side effects reported from different subtypes of intragastric balloons (IGBs) placed in obese adults.

METHODS

The online databases of Pubmed, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science were searched to include studies conducted from 09/31/2012 to 09/31/2017 in English using keywords to identify articles relevant to this study. Two independent reviewers performed a full text review to ensure quality of studies and report rates of primary end point of interest: nausea and vomiting post IGB placement.

RESULTS

Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The treatment group's sample size comprised of 688 patients and adverse events' sample size comprised of 938 patients. We evaluated rates of nausea and vomiting of four subtypes of IGB systems: Elipse, Obalon, ORBERA, and ReShape and calculated meta-analytic rates based on adverse events' sample size. Total 564 patients reported experiencing nausea which provided a meta-analytic rate of 63.33% (95% CI 61.49%-65.16%), and 507 patients reported experiencing vomiting which resulted in a meta-analytic rate of 55.29% (95% CI 53.59%-56.99%). The ORBERA balloon system had the highest rates of nausea and vomiting compared to other balloon systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings from previous studies scrutinizing side effects of different types of IGB offered on the market, it has been concluded that nausea and vomiting are very common side effects post gastric balloon placement.

Is Endoscopy Really Necessary for Placing Intragastric Balloons?

Background

Gastric balloons for weight loss have historically been placed after a screening endoscopy. However, the utility and yield of these endoscopies has not been studied. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate the utility of screening endoscopy and to assess patients who had balloons placed without endoscopy.

Methods

Data was collected on two cohorts. Cohort 1 consisted of patients who had a screening endoscopy prior to or upon balloon placement. Cohort 2 consisted of patients who were followed after having a balloon placed under fluoroscopic guidance without endoscopy. Balloon intolerance and findings on removal endoscopy were assessed in both cohorts.

Results

In cohort 1 (n = 253), two patients had severe symptoms on history; balloon placement was contraindicated based on screening endoscopy findings. Eleven patients with a history of hiatal hernia and the presence of severe belching demonstrated an insignificant hiatal hernia on endoscopy. In cohort 2 (n = 50), all patients had an unremarkable history. Three previously asymptomatic patients had balloon intolerance and one was found to have a 4-cm hiatal hernia and oesophagitis upon balloon removal. Out of 194 patients, 25 were either intolerant to the balloon or had relevant findings on removal endoscopy. Findings on screening endoscopy did not correlate with balloon intolerance or findings on removal endoscopy.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that a careful history can identify patients who may have contraindications for balloon therapy and that balloons can be placed safely after taking a careful history without screening endoscopy. Screening endoscopy may not be useful in predicting balloon intolerance or potential complications.

Endoscopic Treatments for Obesity

Purpose of review Endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) is a rapidly developing area that has now seen FDA approval of six endoscopic bariatric devices and procedures and there are a number of other novel EBTs progressing through various stages of development with newly published findings. This paper aims to assist readers in either selecting an appropriate therapy for their patient or deciding to incorporate these therapies into their practice. This paper provides an updated review of the available data on EBTs, both FDA approved and not, with a particular focus on effectiveness and safety, as well as guidance for discussing with your patient the decision to use endoscopic therapies. Findings The authors of a large meta-analysis of Orbera concluded its ideal balloon volume to be 600-650 mL. AspireAssist has had favorable effectiveness and safety data published in a large RCT. A large study of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has published findings at up to 24 months showing promising durability. Elipse, a swallowed intragastric balloon not requiring endoscopy for either insertion or removal, has had early favorable results published. A magnet-based system for creation of a gastrojejunostomy has published favorable findings from its pilot study. Summary EBTs are safe and effective therapies for weight loss when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and fill an important gap in the management of obesity. There are now six FDA-approved EBTs available and several more in ongoing trials with favorable early findings. More study is needed to understand the role of EBTs used in combination or in sequence with medications and bariatric surgery.

Intragastric Balloons in Clinical Practice

Cost-effective therapies to address the growing epidemic of obesity are a leading priority in modern medicine. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are one such option, with increased effectiveness compared with pharmacotherapy and lifestyle and a lower rate of adverse events than bariatric surgery. IGBs are endoscopically placed or swallowed space-occupying devices in the stomach. Three IGB systems were approved in 2015 to 2016 by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States, with more devices nearing approval. This paper reviews the adverse events and efficacy of IGBs, and practice setup, management of common complications, and dietary advice for patients.

Endoscopic treatment: the past, the present and the future

The obesity epidemic asks for an active involvement of gastroenterologists: many of the co-morbidities associated with obesity involve the gastrointestinal tract; a small proportion of obese patients will need bariatric surgery and may suffer from surgical complications that may be solved by minimally invasive endoscopic techniques; and finally, the majority will not be eligible for bariatric surgery and will need some other form of treatment. The first approach should consist of an energy-restricted diet, physical exercise and behaviour modification, followed by pharmacotherapy. For patients who do not respond to medical therapy but are not or not yet surgical candidates, an endoscopic treatment might look attractive. So, endoscopic bariatric therapy has a role to play either as an alternative or adjunct to medical treatment. The different endoscopic modalities may vary in mechanisms of action: by gastric distension and space occupation, delayed gastric emptying, gastric restriction and decreased distensibility, impaired gastric accommodation, stimulation of antroduodenal receptors, or by duodenal exclusion and malabsorption. These treatments will be discussed into detail.