MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Medicine Bariatric Endoscopy and Gastroenterology team led by Shailendra Singh, M.D., and Neel Patel, M.D., performed the first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and transoral outlet reduction procedures using the Apollo ESG and endoscopic bariatric revision procedures (REVISE) devices in the mid-Atlantic region.
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Apollo ESG and REVISE devices, which combine several surgical tools into one, making bariatric endoscopic weight-loss procedures more efficient and allowing for access to more minimally invasive approaches.
“We are one of the largest centers in country performing ESG and bariatric surgery revision procedures for the treatment of obesity,” Dr. Singh said. “We are excited to offer these procedures at WVU Medicine with this new device. This minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure can help provide new weight-loss options for patients with obesity.”
In an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, the volume of the stomach is reduced with the help of suturing device, resulting in meaningful and durable weight loss.
Patients who have previously had a gastric bypass procedure and are no longer seeing results also benefit from the use of this endoscopic device in a transoral outlet reduction procedure. Over time, patients who have undergone bariatric surgery may begin to see weight gain if their stomach and outlet, the connection between the reduced stomach and intestine, stretch.
Transoral outlet reduction reduces the size of that connection to reduce the amount of food that can be eaten. Patients who undergo these procedures have a much shorter recovery time and can resume activity much sooner. Unlike traditional weight-loss surgery, ESG and revision endoscopic procedures are incisionless, do not involve removing part of the stomach, and the risk of adverse events is low.
“The WVU Medicine Weight-Loss Center offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for weight management, and endoscopic weight loss is one of the innovative tools that we offer to our patients with obesity,” Singh said. “Our patients work in a program that also consists of dietitians, psychologists, and medical specialists to help patients in reaching a healthier weight. We have performed several endoscopic procedures for weight loss, and our patients have excellent outcomes because of our comprehensive approach.”
For more information about non-surgical weight loss at WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org/NonSurgicalWeightLoss.