Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a new non-surgical bariatric procedure that achieves a similar effect as gastric sleeve surgery. ESG requires no incisions or cutting into the stomach – the procedure is even less invasive than laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. The patient experiences little or no pain during the procedure. Because it is an outpatient procedure, ESG is associated with an even quicker recovery time than minimally invasive weight-loss surgical procedures. Although the procedure is relatively new, ESG is considered safe and effective in treating conditions related to moderate obesity.
How is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty done?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is done using a flexible endoscope, allowing your surgeon to see inside your stomach. An endoscopic stitching system allows the surgeon to place stitches in the intestines. The new stomach will be tube shaped and about the size of a banana, similar to the stomach left intact after gastric sleeve surgery.
The procedures takes around one to three hours (60 to 180 minutes). Although ESG does not use surgical incisions, patients undergo general anesthesia during the procedure. ESG is done as an outpatient procedure. Most patients return home the same day. Patients can return to work and resume daily activity one to three days after the procedure. After four weeks patients can expect a full recovery.
Advantages of Endoscopic Sleeve Surgery
- No incisions and no scarring
- Natural digestion procession is not altered
- May reduce hunger
- Lower overall cost than gastric sleeve surgery
- No overnight hospital stay
Weight Loss after Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Surgery
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) works by reducing the size of the stomach. As ESG is a new procedure, short term and long term weight loss after ESG are still unknown. However, there are encouraging results from a recent study in which patients lost 50 percent of excess weight at one year after ESG. These results are comparable to excess weight loss after popular bariatric procedures, like gastric sleeve surgery and gastric band surgery.
Like other bariatric procedures, ESG is a tool for weight loss and long-term weight loss success depends heavily on the patient’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle program, including dieting and regular exercise.
Health Benefits After Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Surgery
Possible health benefits of ESG may include:
- Feeling full with smaller meal portions
- Improvement of obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Relief from joint pain
- Improved mood and energy level
Possible Complications of Endoscopic Sleeve Surgery
As an outpatient procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) may carry less risk of complications than those associated with bariatric surgical procedures. Patient compliance with diet guidelines before and after the procedure as well as follow-up appointments help prevent complications after the procedure.
As with other bariatric procedures, serious complications may occur soon after the procedure. These complications may include bleeding, leaks, pulmonary embolism, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other time, patients may develop nutritional deficiencies.
The endoscopic gastric sleeve is not covered by insurance, so please contact us today to learn about our pricing.