Principales medidas de profilaxis en endoscopia bariátrica. Guía Española de Recomendación de Expertos / No disponible

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Main prophylactic measures in bariatric endoscopy. Spanish Expert Recommendations Guideline.

Bariatric endoscopy (BE) encompasses a number of techniques -some consolidated, some under development- aiming to contribute to the management of obese patients and their associated metabolic diseases as a complement to dietary and lifestyle changes. To date different intragastric balloon models, suture systems, aspiration methods, substance injections and both gastric and duodenal malabsorptive devices have been developed, as well as endoscopic procedures for the revision of bariatric surgery. Their ongoing evolution conditions a gradual increase in the quantity and quality of scientific evidence about their effectiveness and safety. Despite this, scientific evidence remains inadequate to establish strong grades of recommendation allowing a unified perspective on prophylaxis in BE. This dearth of data conditions leads, in daily practice, to frequently extrapolate the measures that are used in bariatric surgery (BS) and/or in general therapeutic endoscopy. In this respect, this special article is intended to reach a consensus on the most common prophylactic measures we should apply in BE. The methodological design of this document was developed while attempting to comply with the following 5 phases: Phase 1: delimitation and scope of objectives, according to the GRADE Clinical Guidelines. Phase 2: setup of the Clinical Guide-developing Group: national experts, members of the Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica (GETTEMO, SEED), SEPD, and SECO, selecting 2 authors for each section. Phase 3: clinical question form (PICO): patients, intervention, comparison, outcomes. Phase 4: literature assessment and synthesis. Search for evidence and elaboration of recommendations. Based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification, most evidence in this article will correspond to level 5 (expert opinions without explicit critical appraisal) and grade of recommendation C (favorable yet inconclusive recommendation) or D (inconclusive or inconsistent studies). Phase 5: External review by experts. We hope that these basic preventive measures will be of interest for daily practice, and may help prevent medical and/or legal conflicts for the benefit of patients, physicians, and BE in general.

Documento español de consenso en endoscopia bariátrica. Parte 2. Tratamientos endoscópicos específicos / Spanish consensus document on bariatric endoscopy. Part 2: specific endoscopic treatments

Durante los últimos años estamos asistiendo a un importante incremento en el número y tipo de técnicas endoscópicas bariátricas: se han propuesto distintos modelos de balones, sistemas de suturas, inyección de sustancias, colocación de prótesis, etc. También se han incorporado técnicas endoscópicas de revisión para aquellos casos de pacientes intervenidos de cirugía bariátrica que presentan recuperación ponderal. Todo ello obliga a la necesidad de protocolizar, posicionar y regularizar todas estas técnicas, mediante un consenso que permita su aplicación clínica con el máximo rigor médico y evidencia científica disponibles. Tras editar una primera parte de Consideraciones Generales, en esta segunda revisaremos las indicaciones, metodología y resultados de cada una las principales técnicas que se realizan en nuestro país, con intención de establecer una base y unos requisitos mínimos que faciliten y favorezcan la correcta práctica diaria de estos procedimientos en las Unidades de Endoscopia Bariátrica

During the last years we have been witnessing a significant increase in the number and type of bariatric endoscopic techniques: we have different types of balloons, suture systems, injection of substances and malabsorptive prosthesis, etc. Also, some endoscopic revisional procedures for patients with weight regain after bariatric surgery have been incorporated. This makes it necessary to protocolize, position and regularize all these techniques, through a consensus that allows their clinical application with the maximum medical rigor and scientific evidence available

Spanish consensus document on bariatric endoscopy. Part 2: specific endoscopic treatments.

During the last years we have been witnessing a significant increase in the number and type of bariatric endoscopic techniques: we have different types of balloons, suture systems, injection of substances and malabsorptive prosthesis, etc. Also, some endoscopic revisional procedures for patients with weight regain after bariatric surgery have been incorporated. This makes it necessary to protocolize, position and regularize all these techniques, through a consensus that allows their clinical application with the maximum medical rigor and scientific evidence available.

Perforación gástrica por balón intragástrico en paciente con funduplicatura de Nissen. Respuesta del Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica / Gastric perforation by intragastric balloon in a patient with Nissen fundoplication. Response of the Spanish Bariatric Endoscopy Group

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Eficacia y seguridad del TORe mediante sutura endoscópica para tratar la reganancia ponderal tras bypass gástrico quirúrgico en Y-de-Roux / Efficacy and safety of transoral outlet reduction via endoscopic suturing in patients with weight regain after a surgical Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Introducción: muchos de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica (bypass gástrico en Y-de-Roux [RYGB]), con el tiempo, pueden recuperar parte del peso perdido. La reducción transoral del vaciamiento gástrico (TORe) con sutura endoscópica podría ser una alternativa válida en estos pacientes. Métodos: serie inicial retrospectiva que incluye a 13 pacientes consecutivos remitidos por reganancia ponderal tras RYGB y con anastomosis gastroyeyunal dilatada (> 15 mm). El TORe fue realizado mediante un dispositivo endoscópico de suturas transmurales (OverStitch-Apollo(R)), reduciendo el diámetro de la anastomosis y del reservorio gástrico. Se describen los datos iniciales de viabilidad técnica, seguridad y eficacia, con un seguimiento limitado a seis meses. Resultados: tras el RYGB, existía una pérdida media máxima de 37,69 kg y una posterior reganancia media de 21,62 kg. Se redujo el diámetro medio de la anastomosis de 36 mm (rango 20-45) a 9 mm (rango 5-12) (reducción del 75%) con una media de 2,5 suturas y el del reservorio de 7,2 cm (rango 2-10) a 4,7 cm (rango 4-5) (reducción del 34,72%) con una media de 2,7 suturas. La pérdida media de peso a los seis meses tras el TORe fue de 12,29 kg (pérdida del 56,85% del peso reganado tras RYGB). No se registraron complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento. Conclusiones: la reducción mediante sutura endoscópica de la anastomosis gastroyeyunal dilatada y del reservorio gástrico parece una opción viable y segura según nuestra limitada experiencia inicial. Dentro de un abordaje multidisciplinar y en un seguimiento a corto plazo, se presenta como una opción mínimamente invasiva y eficaz para controlar la reganancia ponderal tras RYGB

Introduction: many patients that undergo bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) may regain some of their weight lost over time. A transoral outlet reduction (TORe) with endoscopic suture could be a valid alternative in these patients. Methods: this was a retrospective initial series of 13 consecutive patients with weight regain after RYGB and a dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis (> 15 mm). TORe was performed using an endoscopic transmural suture device (OverStitch-Apollo(R)), which was used to reduce the anastomosis aperture and also to treat the gastric pouch. The initial data of feasibility, safety and weight loss are described with a limited follow-up of six months. Results: there was a mean maximum weight loss of 37.69 kg after RYGB and a subsequent average regain of 21.62 kg. The mean anastomosis diameter was 36 mm (range 20-45) which was reduced to 9 mm (range 5-12) (75% reduction), with an average of 2.5 sutures. The mean pouch size was 7.2 cm (range 2-10), which decreased to 4.7 cm (range 4-5) (34.72% reduction), with an average of 2.7 sutures. The mean weight loss six months after TORe was 12.29 kg, a weight loss of 56.85% of the weight regained after RYGB. No complications related to the procedure were recorded. Conclusions: endoscopic suture reduction of the dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis and the gastric pouch seems a feasible and safe option in our limited initial experience. With a multidisciplinary approach and a short term follow-up, this seems to be a minimally invasive and effective option to control weight regain after RYGB

Documento Español de Consenso en Endoscopia Bariátrica. Parte 1. Consideraciones generales / Spanish Consensus Document on Bariatric Endoscopy. Part 1. General considerations

La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica multifactorial, incurable, recurrente y progresiva, asociada a importantes complicaciones físicas y psicológicas y con considerable morbimortalidad. Por este motivo, deben individualizarse la evaluación, el tratamiento y el seguimiento del paciente obeso dentro de una unidad multidisciplinar que disponga de unos adecuados recursos humanos y estructurales. Su tratamiento médico mediante medidas higiénicas-dietéticas, aunque imprescindible, puede resultar insuficiente y la opción quirúrgica, reservada a obesidades severas o mórbidas, no está exenta de complicaciones ni es del agrado de muchos pacientes. En este contexto, pueden considerarse tres situaciones en las que el tratamiento endoscópico, como estrategia complementaria y con escasas complicaciones, contribuye al beneficio del paciente obeso: en primer lugar, aquel subgrupo de pacientes con sobrepeso grado II u obesidad no mórbida en el que el tratamiento médico aislado haya fracasado o como complemento al mismo; en segundo lugar, en aquellos pacientes con obesidad mórbida que rechacen la cirugía o a los cuales esta les resulte contraindicada o de riesgo excesivo; y finalmente, en aquellos pacientes afectos de superobesidad que necesitan perder peso previo a la cirugía bariátrica para disminuir la morbimortalidad de la misma. En este sentido, el Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica (Grupo Español de Trabajo para el Tratamiento Endoscópico del Metabolismo y la Obesidad [GETTEMO]) ha elaborado este Documento de Consenso para que sirva de orientación práctica a todos los profesionales implicados en la endoscopia de la obesidad y permita establecer los requisitos mínimos necesarios para el correcto funcionamiento de una Unidad de Endoscopia Bariátrica

La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica multifactorial, incurable, recurrente y progresiva, asociada a importantes complicaciones físicas y psicológicas y con considerable morbimortalidad. Por este motivo, deben individualizarse la evaluación, el tratamiento y el seguimiento del paciente obeso dentro de una unidad multidisciplinar que disponga de unos adecuados recursos humanos y estructurales. Su tratamiento médico mediante medidas higiénicas-dietéticas, aunque imprescindible, puede resultar insuficiente y la opción quirúrgica, reservada a obesidades severas o mórbidas, no está exenta de complicaciones ni es del agrado de muchos pacientes. En este contexto, pueden considerarse tres situaciones en las que el tratamiento endoscópico, como estrategia complementaria y con escasas complicaciones, contribuye al beneficio del paciente obeso: en primer lugar, aquel subgrupo de pacientes con sobrepeso grado II u obesidad no mórbida en el que el tratamiento médico aislado haya fracasado o como complemento al mismo; en segundo lugar, en aquellos pacientes con obesidad mórbida que rechacen la cirugía o a los cuales esta les resulte contraindicada o de riesgo excesivo; y finalmente, en aquellos pacientes afectos de superobesidad que necesitan perder peso previo a la cirugía bariátrica para disminuir la morbimortalidad de la misma. En este sentido, el Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica (Grupo Español de Trabajo para el Tratamiento Endoscópico del Metabolismo y la Obesidad [GETTEMO]) ha elaborado este Documento de Consenso para que sirva de orientación práctica a todos los profesionales implicados en la endoscopia de la obesidad y permita establecer los requisitos mínimos necesarios para el correcto funcionamiento de una Unidad de Endoscopia Bariátrica

Spanish Consensus Document on Bariatric Endoscopy. Part 1. General considerations.

Obesity is a chronic multifactorial, incurable, recurrent, and progressive disease associated with significant physical and psychological complications, and considerable morbidity and mortality. For this reason, the assessment, management, and follow-up of obese patients should take place in the setting of a multidisciplinary unit equipped with adequate human and structural resources. Medical treatment using hygienic-dietary measures, while indispensable, may be insufficient, and surgery, which is reserved for severe or morbid obesity, is not exempt from complications neither is to the liking of many patients. In this context three situations may be considered where endoscopic treatment, used as a supplementary strategy with few complications, contributes to benefit obese patients: first, in a subgroup of patients with grade-II overweight or non-morbid obesity where medical therapy alone failed or needs supplementation. Second, in patients with morbid obesity when surgery is rejected, is contraindicated, or entails excessive risk. Finally, in patients with superobesity who need to lose weight before bariatric surgery in order to reduce surgery-related morbidity and mortality. In this regard, the Spanish Task Force on Bariatric Endoscopy (Grupo Español de Trabajo para el Tratamiento Endoscópico del Metabolismo y la Obesidad, GETTEMO) have developed this Consensus Document to serve as practical guidance for all professionals involved in the endoscopic management of obesity, and to facilitate establishing a minimum set of requirements for the proper functioning of a bariatric endoscopy unit.

Efficacy and safety of transoral outlet reduction via endoscopic suturing in patients with weight regain after a surgical Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: many patients that undergo bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB]) may regain some of their weight lost over time. A transoral outlet reduction (TORe) with endoscopic suture could be a valid alternative in these patients. METHODS: this was a retrospective initial series of 13 consecutive patients with weight regain after RYGB and a dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis (> 15 mm). TORe was performed using an endoscopic transmural suture device (OverStitch-Apollo®), which was used to reduce the anastomosis aperture and also to treat the gastric pouch. The initial data of feasibility, safety and weight loss are described with a limited follow-up of six months. RESULTS: there was a mean maximum weight loss of 37.69 kg after RYGB and a subsequent average regain of 21.62 kg. The mean anastomosis diameter was 36 mm (range 20-45) which was reduced to 9 mm (range 5-12) (75% reduction), with an average of 2.5 sutures. The mean pouch size was 7.2 cm (range 2-10), which decreased to 4.7 cm (range 4-5) (34.72% reduction), with an average of 2.7 sutures. The mean weight loss six months after TORe was 12.29 kg, a weight loss of 56.85% of the weight regained after RYGB. No complications related to the procedure were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: endoscopic suture reduction of the dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis and the gastric pouch seems a feasible and safe option in our limited initial experience. With a multidisciplinary approach and a short term follow-up, this seems to be a minimally invasive and effective option to control weight regain after RYGB.

Nuevo balón intragástrico ingerible (Elipse(R)). ¿Café para todos? Posicionamiento de GETTEMO / A new swallowable intragastric balloon (Elipse(R)). Coffee for everybody? The position of GETTEMO

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A new swallowable intragastric balloon (Elipse®). Coffee for everybody? The position of GETTEMO.

Recently, the Elipse® swallow balloon with spontaneous evacuation has been incorporated. GETTEMO wants to position defending innovations in endoscopic treatment of bariatric patients, including this new gastric balloon. Any bariatric endoscopic procedure must always be done within a suitable protocol and in a Multidisciplinary Unit. In order to ensure maximum safety and to be able to effectively solve potential complications, in most of the cases a prior endoscopy should be required to rule out complications, the balloon must be implanted (or supervised) by a bariatric endoscopist and it is necessary to have an Endoscopic Emergency Department.

Endoscopic sutured gastroplasty: procedure evolution from first-in-man cases through current technique.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sutured gastroplasty (ESG) has evolved over time. With the advent of full-thickness endoscopic suturing, an efficient technique for ESG was developed and refined. METHODS: This prospective first-in-man trial started in April 2012 and represents the first use of full-thickness endoscopic suturing for primary obesity therapy. The trial focused on procedure development, reproducibility, safety, and short-term efficacy. The trial was performed at centers in five countries, in three phases. Phase I was evaluation of safety and technical feasibility of various procedure techniques; stitch patterns and sequences were assessed for efficiency, safety, and feasibility. Phase II entailed continued procedure refinement to establish a standardized technique. Phase III entailed evaluation of technical feasibility and weight loss outcomes in 77 patients; the procedure was performed using the standardized technique, and there was no procedure development. Data were prospectively collected into a registry. RESULTS: In Phase I, the procedure was created and modified to improve time efficiency. Safety and technical feasibility were established, and short-term weight loss was demonstrated. In Phase II, a number of stitch patterns were attempted, and the stitch pattern was modified and finalized. 22 patients were included, and 1-year total weight loss was 17.3 ± 2.6%. In Phase III, conformity with the final technique was high. 77 patients were included, with a mean BMI of 36.1 ± 0.6 kg/m2. Mean weight loss was 16.0 ± 0.8% at 6 months and 17.4 ± 1.2% at 12 months (n = 44). Postprocedural nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain were frequently reported; there were no reported significant adverse events post-procedure or during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Following a methodical procedure development phase, ESG demonstrated safety and short-term efficacy in this trial. The procedure also achieved meaningful weight loss during the follow-up period.

Estudio multicéntrico de seguridad en endoscopia bariátrica / Multicenter study on the safety of bariatric endoscopy

Introducción: la endoscopia bariátrica abarca una serie de técnicas específicas encaminadas al tratamiento del paciente obeso. Como criterios de calidad, además de eficacia debe exigirse seguridad, expresada por una mínima incidencia de complicaciones graves. Métodos: revisión descriptiva y retrospectiva, multicéntrica, incluyendo la experiencia de siete hospitales que forman parte del Grupo Español de Endoscopia Bariátrica (GETTEMO) para documentar la incidencia, causa y resolución (y sus consecuencias médico-legales) de las complicaciones graves detectadas con cada una de las distintas técnicas de endoscopia bariátrica, diferenciadas además en función de la experiencia del endoscopista. Resultados: se recogieron 6.771 procedimientos endoscópicos bariátricos, entre los que se detectaron 57 complicaciones graves (0,84%). Balones: Orbera(R)-Medsil(R): 5/5.589; Spatz2(R) (modelo antiguo): 44/225; Heliosphere(R): 1/70; O’balon(R): 0/107. Suturas: POSE(R): 5/679; gastroplastia en manga con sistema Apollo(R): 0/55. Prótesis: Endobarrier(R): 2/46. Todas ellas se resolvieron con tratamiento médico/ endoscópico, excepto cinco casos (0,07%) que requirieron cirugía. Existió una única demanda judicial (perforación esofágica con balón Spatz2(R)), con resolución judicial favorable. No hubo mortalidad ni aparentemente diferencias en relación con la experiencia de los endoscopistas. Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia multicéntrica, la endoscopia bariátrica puede considerarse un procedimiento seguro (0,84% total de complicaciones graves). Sin embargo, algunos dispositivos pueden presentar un mayor porcentaje de complicaciones, como en el 19,55% de balones Spatz2(R) (ya sustituido) o en el 4,34% del Endobarrier(R) (en el límite alto de la seguridad aceptada), aunque en este dispositivo nuestra casuística es limitada. Todas las complicaciones se resolvieron con tratamiento médico conservador, requiriendo cirugía solo de forma excepcional (0,07%). No se observó mortalidad relacionada con las técnicas y solo un único caso de demanda judicial. Se requieren más estudios evolutivos de las novedosas técnicas endoscópicas emergentes que corroboren estos resultados (AU)

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(R)-Medsil(R), 5/5,589; Spatz2(R) (older model): 44/225; Heliosphere(R): 1/70; Obalon(R): 0/107. Sutures: POSE(R), 5/679; sleeve gastroplasty with Apollo(R) system: 0/55. Prostheses: Endobarrier(R): 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(R) 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(R) balloons (already replaced) or 4.34% for Endobarrier(R) 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 (AU)

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.

Gastroplastia endoscópica en manga (método Apollo): nuevo abordaje en el tratamiento de la obesidad / Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (the Apollo method): a new approach to obesity management

Introducción: muchos pacientes obesos no son capaces de perder peso o rechazan los tratamientos convencionales de la obesidad. La gastroplastia endoscópica en manga (método Apollo) es una técnica intervencionista pionera coadyuvante para el tratamiento integral de la obesidad. Objetivos: los objetivos de este estudio son comunicar resultados de seguridad y eficacia a 6 meses de pacientes intervenidos de gastroplastia endoscópica en manga. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo de intervención sobre 55 pacientes (13 hombres, 42 mujeres) sometidos a método Apollo, con edad media de 43,5 años (rango 25-60) e índice de masa corporal (IMC) medio de 37,7 kg/m2 (rango 30-48), y a seguimiento multidisciplinar para perder peso. Se evaluaron cambios ponderales y presencia de complicaciones. A través de un endoscopio se realizó un patrón de sutura triangular, consistente en aproximadamente 3-6 puntos transmurales (de mucosa a serosa) que, mediante un sistema de cinchado, aproxima los puntos para formar una plicatura. Resultados: en total se realizaron entre 6-8 plicaturas para crear la restricción tubular o en manga de la cavidad gástrica. No existieron complicaciones mayores y los pacientes fueron dados de alta 24 horas después de la intervención. Los controles endoscópicos y radiográficos a los 6 meses postprocedimiento mostraron conservación de la forma tubular gástrica. Los pacientes con 6 meses de evolución perdieron 18,9 kg y un 55,3% de porcentaje de exceso de peso. Conclusiones: la gastroplastia endoscópica en manga, junto a la intervención dietética y modificación psicoconductual en pacientes obesos, es una técnica segura y eficaz en el tratamiento coadyuvante de la obesidad (AU)

Background: Many obese patients cannot lose weight or reject conventional obesity management. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (the Apollo method) is a pioneering coadjuvant, interventionist technique for the integral management of obesity. Objectives: The goals of this study were to report safety and efficacy results obtained at 6 months in patients undergoing endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Material and methods: A prospective study was performed in 55 patients (13 males, 42 females) who were subjected to the Apollo technique; mean age was 43.5 years (range 25-60) and mean BMI was 37.7 kg/m2 (range 30-48). All received multidisciplinary follow-up for weight loss. Weight changes and presence of complications were assessed. Through the endoscope a triangular pattern suture is performed consisting of approximately 3-6 transmural (mucosa to serosa) stitches, using a cinch device to bring them nearer and form a plication. Results: A total of 6-8 plications are used to provide a tubular or sleeve-shaped restriction to the gastric cavity. No major complications developed and patients were discharged at 24 hours following the procedure. Endoscopic and radiographic follow-up at 6 months post-procedure showed a well preserved tubular form to the stomach. After 6 months patients had lost 18.9 kg and 55.3% of excess weight. Conclusions: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, together with dietary and psycho-behavioral changes, is a safe, effective technique in the coadjuvant management of obese patients (AU)

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (the Apollo method): a new approach to obesity management.

BACKGROUND: Many obese patients cannot lose weight or reject conventional obesity management. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (the Apollo method) is a pioneering coadjuvant, interventionist technique for the integral management of obesity. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to report safety and efficacy results obtained at 6 months in patients undergoing endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 55 patients (13 males, 42 females) who were subjected to the Apollo technique; mean age was 43.5 years (range 25-60) and mean BMI was 37.7 kg/m2 (range 30-48). All received multidisciplinary follow-up for weight loss. Weight changes and presence of complications were assessed. Through the endoscope a triangular pattern suture is performed consisting of approximately 3-6 transmural (mucosa to serosa) stitches, using a cinch device to bring them nearer and form a plication. RESULTS: A total of 6-8 plications are used to provide a tubular or sleeve-shaped restriction to the gastric cavity. No major complications developed and patients were discharged at 24 hours following the procedure. Endoscopic and radiographic follow-up at 6 months post-procedure showed a well preserved tubular form to the stomach. After 6 months patients had lost 18.9 kg and 55.3% of excess weight. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, together with dietary and psycho-behavioral changes, is a safe, effective technique in the coadjuvant management of obese patients.