With the use of specialized equipment, the stomach is internally folded with sutures. It has the same effect as obesity surgeries, with a loss of 20% of body weight, without surgery. Unlike the other two techniques, it leads to prolonged weight loss and little re-absorption in the long run. The operations are performed with the cooperation and simultaneous presence of an invasive gastroenterologist and a doctor specialized in medically assisted weight loss.
Endoscopic gastroplasty is a new method of invasive weight loss, developed in the last five years. It is performed in the operating room with heavy intoxication or anesthesia. We use a specialized invasive endoscope, and with special tools we place multiple sutures in the stomach, causing the wall to fold and partially close and shrink the stomach. After the operation, the patient remains in the hospital for 24 hours and is discharged with instructions for special diet.
Endoscopic Gastroplasty results in a reduction in its total capacity, making the patient full faster with smaller meals. At the same time, studies show that gastric emptying is slowed down, making the patient feel full for longer. The combination of the two leads to significant weight loss. Although it is a surgery without incisions, it is a complicated operation, which is very similar to surgery.
The results of the method are very good, with most studies reporting a loss of up to 20% of the total body weight, which is close to the results of obesity surgeries. Loss of up to 20% of Total Body Weight, almost equal to surgery. Among the advantages of the method is that it can be applied to patients who can not undergo surgery due to severe respiratory or cardiac problems.
We must not forget that even gastroscopy, it is actually a form of surgery, and there can be complications, bleeding and injuries. To make such an operation through an endoscope, it is necessary to use technologically advanced tools, but the total cost remains lower than an obesity surgery.