What is an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a non-invasive procedure for patients not eligible or suitable for weight loss surgery. It is a day procedure performed under general anaesthetic whereby a flexible hose is inserted through the mouth and down the throat. The hose has a camera and a suturing device attached allowing Dr Ozmen to operate inside the stomach without making surgical incisions.
How does an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure assist in weight loss?
The ESG procedure reduces the size of the stomach thereby decreasing the total volume of the stomach’s capacity which limits the amount of food you are able to eat. A stitching device is used to create sutures to pinch the outer curve of the stomach, reshaping it to a tube or sleeve shape reducing the size of the stomach by up to 75%. It also means that the stomach empties more slowly which gives a longer feeling of satiety.
How much weight is generally lost with an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?
The ESG is a relatively new weight loss procedure first developed in 2012. Available data tells us that typical results see a loss of 40-50% of excess weight lost within 18 months.
What are the other health benefits (other than weight loss)?
As with all weight loss, ESG provides other health benefits, in particular:
- Elimination of gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Reduction of heart disease and stroke risk
- Improved blood pressure
- Elimination of sleep apnoea
- Reversal of type 2 diabetes
What are the risks and potential complications of an endoscopic sleeve procedure?
As the ESG is a relatively new procedure data is more limited, however, as ESG is considered minimally invasive the procedure would generally have less risks and complications compared to more complex and invasive procedures. Some of the potential risks particularly related to ESG include:
- Abdominal pain
- Partial openings of the stomach pouch
- Bleeding
- Oesophageal injury
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Vomiting
Who qualifies for an endoscopic sleeve gastroscopy procedure?
ESG is most suitable for patients with a BMI of 30-35.
What is the cost?
As is the case with all weight loss procedures, ESG is an elective procedure that in Australia is currently performed only in private hospitals. Your private health insurance may cover some of the costs and you may also have the ability to access your superannuation funds for the cost of an ESG procedure due to the recognised health benefits related to weight loss.
Please contact the Sydney GI Surgery team for an accurate assessment of the costs involved for an ESG procedure.
Preparing for an endoscopic sleeve gastroscopy
As with all weight loss procedures preparation prior is an important part to achieving best outcomes. Dr Ozmen includes a program of preparation from 2 weeks prior to the procedure and will discuss details with you during your consultation.
Recovery
As ESG is a minimally invasive procedure you will be able to return home the same day and expect a full recovery within 3 days. You will be placed on a liquid diet for 2 weeks following the procedure, followed by 2 weeks of semi solid food and then transitioned to a regular diet.
Life after an endoscopic sleeve procedure
As with all weight loss procedures, best results are achieved through a change in lifestyle behaviours and the adoption of a holistic approach that includes diet and exercise.
