Endoscopic Obesity Management

The different endoscopic treatment modalities include:

Intra-Gastric Balloon: The balloon is inserted endoscopically into the stomach and it is then filled with normal saline/methylene blue solution. This creates a sense of fullness. The balloon is used for a period of 6 months after which it must be removed.

Transpyloric Shuttle: It is a large spherical bulb connected to a smaller cylindrical bulb by a flexible catheter. It is composed of silicone and causes satiety by producing intermittent obstruction.

GASTRIC RESTRICTIVE METHODS:
Transoral Gastroplasty: A part of the stomach is stapled or stitched endoscopically to reduce the capacity to hold food.

Transoral Endoscopic Restrictive Implant System: An implant is introduced into the stomach via an endoscope that has a narrow channel for food passage, creating a restrictive pouch.

MALABSORPTIVE ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES:
Part of the intestine is bypassed using an endoscopically placed liner which reduces food absorption. It also prevents the action of biliary and pancreatic enzymes that help with digestion. Certain implants can also be used to delay the passage of food through the duodenum, causing malabsorption.

REGULATING GASTRIC EMPTYING:
Endoscopic intragastric botulinum toxin injections may be used to delay gastric emptying and reduce hunger pangs. Another approach is the use of gastric electrical stimulation which has been shown to reduce gastric accommodation, delay gastric emptying, and increase intestinal transit, causing weight loss.

ASPIRATION THERAPY:
A gastrostomy tube is placed endoscopically to aspirate stomach contents a short time after a meal.

To learn more about the different types of endoscopic obesity management available to you by scheduling an appointment at GI Alliance with your GI specialists.