EndoSlim: Shed weight, gain a new lease on life with safe bariatric surgery alternative

A Board-Certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Alexander Shapsis of Atlantic Gastroenterology, is on the leading edge of minimally-invasive interventions to support safe and effective weight loss. Dr. Shapsis may recommend EndoSlim as a low-risk alternative to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy from his state-of-the-art clinic in Brooklyn, New York. 

EndoSlim

Also known as EndoSlim or the “accordion procedure,” ESG is a minimally-invasive technique involving a device equipped with a flexible tube (endoscope) and stitching or suturing capabilities to reduce the stomach size. The stomach walls are sutured to achieve a smaller, tubular gastric reservoir or structure.

ESG is in contrast to LSG, a bariatric procedure that involves surgically removing portions of the stomach through several small incisions in the abdomen. While LSG is commonly associated with considerable weight loss, researchers featured in the January 2021 issue of Clinical Endoscopy noted that less than 1% of eligible patients undergo laparoscopic surgery due to the high cost and high risk of procedure-related complications. 

Researchers reported that ESG weight loss is significantly greater than with HIDLT (High-Intensity Diet and Lifestyle Technique). Furthermore, they looked at numerous meta-analyses, indicating that ESG has a “superior safety profile” compared to LSG. They contend that the endoscopy technique is an attractive alternative to treat mild to moderately obese patients who are either not candidates for or unwilling to undergo surgical procedures like LSG. 

Notably, ESG was highlighted in the journal as having a shorter treatment time and no requirement for a hospital stay, and its effects are even reversible. In all 105 patients who underwent ESG and the 281 patients who took the HIDLT approach, the weight loss percentage was 14% and 11.3%, respectively, after three months. After 12 months, ESG weight loss stood at 20.6% versus 14.3% for the diet and lifestyle group. It was concluded that ESG is a valuable option for individuals who fail to comply with HIDLT.

Additionally, in evaluating several studies, researchers found that the incidence of adverse events for ESG ranged from 1.5% to 2.3%. The onset of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) was “negligible.” Adverse events were mild, occurred immediately after the procedure, and almost all of the pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with it resolved after a few days. 

A new lease on life 

EndoSlim has been found to reduce the risk of conditions associated with obesity, such as pre-diabetes and diabetes, and fatty liver disease. ESG patients also showed measurable improvements in quality of life compared to LSG patients, who noted worsening GERD symptoms and increased use of PPI therapies to treat gastrointestinal problems.

To learn more about your treatment options, call Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, NY, at 718 521-2840. You may also request an appointment or virtual consultation directly from this website.