Our Summary

This study examined a type of weight loss procedure known as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Specifically, it looked at whether including a step called “fundal suturing” affected the procedure’s success and safety. The researchers reviewed the records of 247 patients who had the procedure done either with or without this step.

The main measure of success was how much excess weight the patients lost 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The researchers also looked at serious adverse events (problems or complications from the procedure) and how long the procedure took.

The results showed that patients who didn’t have the fundal suturing step had significantly more weight loss at all three time points. They also had fewer sutures and the procedure took less time. There was no significant difference in the number of serious complications between the two groups.

Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the procedure is more effective and quicker without the fundal suturing step. Therefore, they recommend not including it in the procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)?
  2. What is the role of the “fundal suturing” step in the ESG procedure?
  3. What were the main findings of the study regarding the fundal suturing step in the ESG procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient considering gastric sleeve surgery to discuss with their healthcare provider whether the fundal suturing step is necessary for their individual case. It is important to consider the potential benefits and risks of including this step in the procedure. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve successful weight loss outcomes while minimizing any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastric sleeve surgery, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Patients who have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise may also be candidates for this procedure. It is important for patients to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.

Timeline

Before the gastric sleeve procedure:

  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider to determine if they are a candidate for the procedure
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation
  • Patient may be required to follow a specific diet and exercise regimen before the procedure
  • Patient receives pre-operative counseling and education about the procedure and potential risks

After the gastric sleeve procedure:

  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient follows a strict liquid diet for the first few weeks after the procedure
  • Patient gradually transitions to a pureed and soft food diet
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor weight loss progress and address any concerns
  • Patient may need to make long-term lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to maintain weight loss

Overall, the gastric sleeve procedure can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in overall health for patients who are struggling with obesity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric sleeve surgery include:

  1. What is the success rate of gastric sleeve surgery in terms of weight loss?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. How long will the procedure take to perform?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  5. How long is the recovery period after gastric sleeve surgery?
  6. What kind of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?
  7. Are there any dietary restrictions I will need to follow post-surgery?
  8. Are there any specific factors that may make me a better or worse candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?
  9. How will my progress be monitored after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative weight loss procedures or treatments that may be more suitable for me?

Reference

Authors: Farha J, McGowan C, Hedjoudje A, Itani MI, Abbarh S, Simsek C, Ichkhanian Y, Vulpis T, James TW, Fayad L, Khashab MA, Oberbach A, Badurdeen D, Kumbhari V. Journal: Endoscopy. 2021 Jul;53(7):727-731. doi: 10.1055/a-1236-9347. Epub 2020 Aug 8. PMID: 32777827