What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG): This is an advanced endoscopic scarless technique involved in suturing the stomach endoscopically to reduce the size and achieve weight loss.
Candidates for ESG: This procedure is open to all obese individuals with a BMI in the range of approximately upto 32,( who do not opt for the traditional bariatric surgery) who have tried weight loss programmes including lifestyle modifications but have failed to achieve the desired results.
However the patient should also be willing to adapt to a healthy lifestyle, and attend regular follow ups.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is not for candidates who suffer from hital hernia, gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer disease or gastritis.
Procedure: The procedure involves in introducing a suturing device on a highly specialized flexible endoscope. The regular endoscope cannot be used as it does not have a suturing channel. Once the suturing device enters the stomach, sutures are taken over specific areas of the stomach wall and tightened.
Approximately 5 to 7 sutures are required starting from the lower end of the stomach and ending just short of the fundus, the upper end of the stomach. Once all these sutures are tightened the lumen of the stomach looks like a narrow tube mimicking a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
By reducing the lumen of the stomach we are decreasing the intake of food as well as satiety is achieved earlier. Thus the patient losses weight . The person needs to follow a liquid diet for a few days after which soft food can be started.
The benefits of ESG are quick recovery, scarless procedure and hospitalization for only 24 hours.
ESG is a beautiful weight loss tool which will give excellent results in people who qualify for the procedure.
A person undergoing ESG may experience nausea, discomfort or fullness post surgery which is for a short duration and can be managed with medications.
A promising scarless surgery, however patient selection is critical to avoid complications and reach desired weight loss.
