An Indian Experience of Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity by Using a Novel Technique of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (Accordion Procedure).

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic Sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel minimally invasive endoscopic restrictive bariatric procedure. We studied the safety, effectiveness, 6-month weight loss outcomes of ESG. METHODS: We prospectively collected data for patients undergoing ESG at a tertiary care referral center. Laboratory investigations were performed preoperatively, and at 6 months post-operatively. Anthropometric measurements were noted pre and post-operatively at a frequency of 3 months for a 6-month follow-up. Patients with BMI ≥28 kg/m2 who were ready for multidisciplinary follow up for at least 6 months were part of the study. Weight was evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months' post procedure, and percent of total weight loss (%TWL) and percent of extra weight loss (% EWL) was calculated. Adverse events and new-onset symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: This prospective study included 58 patients, [55(94.8%)females] who underwent ESG (Jun 2018 - July 2019) using the Over Stitch device (Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., Austin, Texas, US). Mean age was 42.1 years (range 23-53) and mean BMI (kg/m2) was 37.88 (range 28.4-42.9). A median of 5 plications (range 4-6) were used to provide a tubular restriction to the gastric cavity. Mean procedural time (min) was 55 (Range 45 - 86). The mean (±SD) weight reduced significantly from baseline of 98.3±20.4 to 81.8±19.1 at 6 months (p<0.001). The mean BMI reduced significantly from baseline of 37.88±5.76 to 31.37±5.23 at 6months (p<0.001). The mean % of TWL was 8.8 (5.6-16.1), 12.6(10.4-19.1) and 17.1 (11.2-24.1) at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. The % of EWL was 21.3(12.3-34.3), 30.5(17.7-45.6) and 42.8 (24.5-61.9) at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. No major complications developed, and patients were discharged on postoperative day 2 (+4 days). Nausea 29 (50%) and moderate to severe abdominal pain 14 (24.1%) were the most common adverse events, treated conservatively. Stitch loosening was noted in 1(1.7%) patient at third month who underwent resuturing. CONCLUSIONS: ESG appears safe and effective in treating obesity at our center. Mindfulness to reduction in %TWL, %EWL and BMI are critical in evaluating the initial success of ESG. Long term follow-up is required to assess for its sustained effect. Further research into dietary and behavioral modifications with ESG is warranted.