Bariatric endoscopy: state-of-the-art

Short-Term Efficacy of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Versus Intragastric Balloon Insertion for Obesity: An Indonesian, Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction  As a medical condition, obesity is a global public health concern that still has no satisfactory solution. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and intragastric balloon (IGB) are proven to be safe and efficient in producing weight loss. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has achieved significant success; therefore, it is timely to compare it to intragastric balloon therapy. Methods  We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for patients undergoing ESG or IGB. Weight was recorded at one week, one month, and three months post-procedure, and the percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) was calculated. Severe adverse events requiring hospital admission/procedure reversal were also recorded. We aim to see if one procedure is more efficient in providing weight loss in a short-term period.  Results A total of 20 patients underwent ESG and 31 patients underwent IGB insertion. ESG patients showed a superior mean %TBWL at one-week post-procedure (%TBWL±SD = 4.87±1.88 vs 3.76±1.95). IGB patients showed a higher mean of %TBWL at one-month post-procedure (%TBWL±SD = 8.00±3.60 vs 7.25±3.29). Both procedures show similar %TBWL at three months post-procedure (%TBWL±SD ESG = 10.857±3.83 vs %TBWL ± SD IGB = 10.852±5.78). Conclusions  We found that both the IGB insertion and ESG procedures result in clinically significant weight loss. However, the short-term weight loss between these two procedures is similar. Although similar, the number of adverse events in the IGB group is significantly higher than in the ESG group.

Repeated photodynamic therapy using a chlorin e6-embedded device to prolong the therapeutic effects on obesity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a chlorin e6 (Ce6)-embedded intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) to maintain therapeutic effects of obesity in a juvenile pig.

METHODS

The Ce6-embedded ISD was fabricated with a dipping method. Twelve pigs were divided into four groups of three and were administered control, single, biweekly, or weekly PDT, respectively. The therapeutic effects were assessed by comparing the results of phototoxicity, endoscopy, fluoroscopy, hormone and weight changes, and histological examination.

RESULTS

The percentage of total body weight gain was significantly suppressed in PDT-treated pigs compared with control pigs (all p < 0.001). This suppression persisted in the repeated PDT groups, but percentage of total body weight gain gradually increased when PDT was stopped. Ghrelin levels in the PDT-treated groups were significantly lower and leptin levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen, TUNEL, and anti-ghrelin-positive deposition in the weekly group were significantly higher than those in the control, single, and biweekly groups (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated and periodic PDT was technically feasible and safe and successfully maintained the therapeutic effects against obesity while eliminating the indwelling time and reducing ISD-related complications in pigs.

Semaglutide vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Weight Loss

Importance

Obesity is a disease with a large socioeconomic burden. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive endoscopic bariatric procedure with wide global adoption. More recently, new weight-loss medications, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (eg, semaglutide), have attracted increased attention due to their efficacy. However, their cost-effectiveness over an extended period compared with ESG is a critical gap that needs to be better explored for informed health care decision-making.

Objective

To assess the cost-effectiveness of semaglutide compared with ESG over 5 years for individuals with class II obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This economic evaluation study, conducted from September 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, used a Markov cohort model to compare ESG and semaglutide, with a no-treatment baseline strategy. The study comprised adult patients in the US health care system with class II obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 35-39.9). The base case was a 45-year-old patient with class II obesity (BMI of 37). Patients undergoing ESG were subjected to risks of perioperative mortality and adverse events with resultant costs and decrement in quality of life.

Interventions

Strategies included treatment with semaglutide and ESG.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Costs (2022 US dollars), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. A 5-year time horizon with a cycle length of 1 month with a 3% discount rate was used. Probabilities, costs, and quality-of-life estimates of the model were derived from published literature. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Results

The model found that ESG was more cost-effective than semaglutide over a 5-year time horizon, with an ICER of -$595 532/QALY. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty added 0.06 QALYs and reduced total cost by $33 583 relative to semaglutide. The results remained robust on 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty sustained greater weight loss over 5 years vs semaglutide (BMI of 31.7 vs 33.0). To achieve nondominance, the annual price of semaglutide, currently $13 618, would need to be $3591.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that ESG is cost saving compared with semaglutide in the treatment of class II obesity. On price threshold analyses, a 3-fold decrease in the price of semaglutide is needed to achieve nondominance.

Acute Respiratory Failure Complicating Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Case Report

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obesity. We report the case of a patient with obesity who underwent ESG complicated by postprocedural respiratory failure. During the procedure, she developed a Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) ratio that necessitated postoperative mechanical ventilation. Chest radiography demonstrated massively dilated loops of bowel, cephalad displacement of both hemidiaphragms, lung volume reduction, and atelectasis. With absorption of luminal carbon dioxide, she was weaned from mechanical ventilation to supplemental oxygen, and she recovered completely. This case highlights postoperative respiratory failure associated with mechanical loading of the respiratory system following ESG.

Photoactive intragastric satiety-inducing device using polymeric photosensitizers for minimally invasive weight loss treatment

An intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) located in the stomach induce satiety and fullness in the absence of food by continuously pressing on the distal esophagus and cardia of the stomach. To improve the therapeutic function of ISD, Chlorin e6 (Ce6) was embedded in a disk portion of ISD, generating reactive oxygen species and stimulating endocrine cells under the laser irradiation. Since Ce6 has remarkable light efficiency but poor solubility in various solvents, it is essential to use a polymeric photosensitizer and optimize a suitable coating solution composition. Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Ce6 was uniformly coated and the spontaneous release amount of the Ce6 from the device could be reduced, which induced photo-responsive cell death and reduced ghrelin levels in vitro. In mini pigs operated single therapy (PDT or ISD) or combination therapy (Photoreactive ISD), there were differences in body weight (control: 28% vs. Photoreactive ISD: 4%, P < 0.001), ghrelin (control: 4% vs. Photoreactive ISD: 35%, P < 0.001), and leptin levels (control: 8% vs. Photoreactive PDT: 35%, P < 0.001) at 4 weeks.

Endoluminal bariatric and metabolic therapies: state-of-the-art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to present the current state of the field, highlight recent developments, and describe the clinical outcomes of these endoluminal bariatric and metabolic procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

The landscape of endoluminal devices and techniques for treating obesity has expanded significantly, with FDA-approved therapies currently available to patients with a body mass index values as high as 50 kg/m2. Although notable advancements have been made in this area, there is a need for further emphasis to be placed on the metabolic improvements resulting from these therapies, in addition to the conventional focus on weight loss outcomes. Some of these procedures are now FDA approved for the treatment of metabolic disease as opposed to weight loss. To achieve the most favorable results, it is imperative that all endoluminal interventions are combined with a moderately intensive diet and lifestyle program lasting at least 12 months.

SUMMARY

Endoluminal metabolic and bariatric therapy represents a bridge between lifestyle counseling, pharmaceutical interventions, and the most efficacious treatment for obesity, bariatric surgery. By virtue of its minimally invasive approach, this therapy may be an appealing option for patients who are ineligible for, or averse to, bariatric surgery and who have experienced suboptimal outcomes or unable to afford medical treatments. Furthermore, these interventions may be particularly beneficial in the early stages of obesity.

Medication-induced weight gain and advanced therapies for the child with overweight and obesity: An Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement 2022

Background

This Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) details medication-induced weight gain and advanced therapies for the child with overweight or obesity.

Methods

The scientific information and clinical guidance in this CPS are based on scientific evidence, supported by the medical literature, and derived from the clinical perspectives of the authors.

Results

This OMA Clinical Practice Statement addresses medication-induced weight gain and advanced therapies for the child with overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

This OMA Clinical Practice Statement on medication induced-weight gain and advanced therapies for the child with overweight or obesity is an overview of current recommendations. These recommendations provide a roadmap to the improvement of the health of children and adolescents with obesity, especially those with metabolic, physiological, and psychological complications. This CPS also addresses treatment recommendations. This section is designed to help the provider with clinical decision making.

Contamination of single fluid-filled intragastric balloons with orogastric fluid is not associated with hyperinflation: an ex-vivo study and systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous hyperinflation is reported to the Food and Drug Administration as a complication of intragastric balloons. It is postulated that orogastric contamination of the intragastric balloon may cause this phenomenon. We sought to investigate the effects of intentional balloon contamination with gastric contents on intragastric balloon perimeter and contents, whether methylene blue plays a role in preventing spontaneous hyperinflation, and review the available literature on spontaneous hyperinflation.

METHODS

Four pairs of balloons with different combinations of sterile saline, orogastric contaminants, and methylene blue were incubated in a 37 °C water bath for six months to simulate physiological conditions with serial measurements of balloon perimeter. Our findings were compared against a systematic review across multiple databases to summarize the available literature.

RESULTS

Balloon mean perimeter decreased from 33.5 cm ± 0.53 cm to 28.5 cm ± 0.46 cm (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were seen with the methylene blue group. Only 11 cases were found reported in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite contaminating intragastric balloons with gastric aspirates, hyperinflation did not occur, and other factors may be in play to account for this phenomenon, when observed. Rates of hyperinflation remain under-reported in the literature. Further controlled experiments are needed.

Two Magnetic Sensor Based Real-Time Tracking of Magnetically Inflated Swallowable Intragastric Balloon

This paper presents a two magnetic sensor based tracking method for a magnetically inflated intragastric balloon capsule (MIBC) which is used for obesity treatment. After the MIBC is swallowed, it is designed to be inflated inside the stomach by approaching a permanent magnet (PM) externally near the abdomen. However, if the balloon inflation is accidentally triggered while the MIBC is still in the esophagus, the esophagus will be damaged. Therefore, to safely inflate the MIBC, we aim to track the MIBC's position along the esophagus and confirm the MIBC passes through. Typically, magnetic sensor based tracking systems tend to be bulky and costly since they involve computationally intensive optimization with many magnetic sensors. To solve those problems, we develop an algorithm that estimates the position of the PM inside the MIBC by using the grid search combined with the dynamically confined search range and search threshold modulation. Our tracking method achieved an average 1D position error of 3.48 mm which is comparable to the up to 4 mm average error for the other magnetic sensor based tracking systems that require more sensors and computational power compared to our system.

Is a Fundamental Design Change for Gastrointestinal Endoscopes Required?

Since the first fiberoptic instruments, gastrointestinal endoscopy has shaped the field of gastroenterology and is now a key diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Compared with the initial fiberoptic endoscopes state-of-the-art optical chips (or charge-coupled device technology) allowed a quantum leap in image quality. Despite these advances, gastrointestinal endoscopy is far from being perfect. The diagnostic yield (eg, for adenoma detection rates) is highly operator dependent and there is still the need for sedation or even anesthesia to address discomfort during the procedure. Despite highly standardized cleaning and high-level disinfection the reuse of contemporary (and difficult to clean) endoscopes with multiple channels exposes patients to the risk of transmission of infections. Artificial intelligence and pattern recognition should eliminate interindividual variability including polyp detection rates, self-propelled, and (potentially remotely controlled) scopes with a soft shaft could reduce the discomfort during procedures and abolish the need for sedation and anesthesia altogether and single-use designs should eliminate the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of infections. While these innovations are feasible and could be implemented rapidly utilizing available technology, they require a paradigm shift affecting all levels of the value chain from the supplier of the instruments to the end-users. Some may negate the need for a paradigm shift, but it is evident that a major redesign of the endoscopic equipment is overdue to fully utilize novel technologies and most importantly ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Procedures and devices for bariatric and metabolic endoscopy

Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in developed countries, with a rising incidence over time. Lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery are the mainstays of bariatric therapy, even though burdened by several limitations in terms of efficacy or safety. Bariatric endoscopy has been developed in the last decades as a minimally invasive alternative, aimed to bridge the gap between conservative and interventional conventional therapies. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the bariatric and metabolic available endoscopic procedures and to drive the choice of the right procedure for the right patient.

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for obesity. However, many patients avoid surgery due to its perceived invasive nature and fear of complications. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a seemingly less invasive option for patients with obesity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESG in adults.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through July 2019. Investigated outcomes included the percent total body weight loss (TBWL), body mass index reduction, percent excess weight loss (EWL), and adverse events.

RESULTS

We extracted data from 8 original studies, published from 2016 through 2019, which included a total of 1772 patients. At 6 months, mean TBWL was 15.1% (95% CI, 14.3-16.0), mean decrease in body mass index was 5.65 kg/m2 (95% CI, 5.07-6.22), and mean excess weight loss was 57.7% (95% CI, 52.0-63.4). Weight loss was sustained at 12 months and 18-24 months with a TBWL of 16.5% (95% CI, 15.2-17.8) and 17.2% (95% CI, 14.6-19.7), respectively. The pooled post-ESG rate of severe adverse events was 2.2% (95% CI, 1.6%-3.1%), including pain or nausea requiring hospitalization (n = 18, 1.08%), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n=9, 0.56%), and peri-gastric leak or fluid collection (n = 8, 0.48%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found ESG to produce clinically significant weight loss that was reproducible among independent centers and to have a low rate of severe adverse events. ESG appears to be an effective intervention for patients with obesity, although comparative studies and randomized controlled trials are necessary. PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42019121921.

Circulating Endocannabinoids Are Reduced Following Bariatric Surgery and Associated with Improved Metabolic Homeostasis in Humans

BACKGROUND

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays a key role in the development of obesity and its comorbidities. Limited information exists on the changes in circulating eCBs following bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to (i) assess the circulating levels of eCBs and related molecules and (ii) examine the association between their levels and numerous clinical/metabolic features pre- and post-operatively.

METHODS

Sixty-five morbidly obese patients (age 42.78 ± 9.27 years; BMI 42.00 ± 5.01 kg/m²) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) surgery, and were followed up for 12 months. Data collected included anthropometrics and metabolic parameters. The serum levels of the eCBs, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA); and their related molecules, arachidonic acid (AA) and oleoylethanolamine (OEA) were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Levels of 2-AG, AEA, and AA were reduced post operatively with no differences in serum OEA levels. The delta changes in eCB levels between pre- and post-operation were correlated with the delta of different metabolic parameters. Positive correlations were found between delta AA and waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.28, P < 0.05), free fat mass (r = 0.26, P < 0.05), SteatoTest score (r = 0.45, P < 0.05), and ALT (r = 0.32, P < 0.05). Delta AEA levels positively correlated with WC (r = 0.30, P < 0.05). Delta 2-AG levels positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.27, P < 0.05), triglycerides (r = 0.55, P < 0.05), and SteatoTest score (r = 0.27, P < 0.05). Delta OEA levels negatively correlated with fasting glucose levels (r = - 0.27, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides compelling evidence that LSG surgery induces reductions in the circulating 2-AG, AEA, and AA levels, and that these changes are associated with clinical benefits related to the surgery including reduced fat mass, hepatic steatosis, glucose, and improved lipid profile.

The Effectiveness of Endoscopic Gastroplasty for Obesity Treatment According to FDA Thresholds: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) are promising alternatives to conventional surgery for obesity. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy and safety through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the endoscopic gastroplasty techniques versus conservative treatment. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Lilacs/Bireme. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling obese patients comparing endoscopic gastroplasty to sham or diet/exercise were considered eligible. Among 6014 records, three RCTs were selected for meta-analysis. The total sample was 459 patients (312 EBTs vs 147 control). Mean total body weight loss in the intervention group (IG) was 4.8% higher than the control group (CG) at 12 months (p = 0.01). The IG responder rate was 44.31% at 12 months. Therefore, the endoscopic gastroplasty is more effective than conservative therapies but do not achieve FDA thresholds.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Is a Reproducible and Effective Endoscopic Bariatric Therapy Suitable for Widespread Clinical Adoption: a Large, International Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), an incisionless endoscopic bariatric procedure, has shown impressive results in case series. This study examines the reproducibility, efficacy, and safety in three centers across two countries, and identifies key determinants for procedural success.

DESIGN

Patients who underwent ESG between February 2016 and May 2017 at one of three centers (Australia and USA) were retrospectively analyzed. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis using the Apollo OverStitch device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX). Primary outcomes included absolute weight loss (ΔWeight, kg), change in body mass index (∆BMI, in kg/m²), total body weight loss (TBWL, %), excess weight loss (EWL, in %), and immediate and delayed adverse events.

RESULTS

In total, 112 consecutive patients (male 31%, age 45.1 ± 11.7 years, baseline BMI 37.9 ± 6.7 kg/m²) underwent ESG. At 1, 3, and 6 months, Δweight was 9.0 ± 4.6 kg (TBWL 8.4 ± 4.1%), 12.9 ± 6.4 kg (TBWL 11.9 ± 4.5%), and 16.4 ± 10.7 kg (TBWL 14.9 ± 6.1%), respectively. The proportion of patients who attained greater than 10% TBWL and 25% EWL was 62.2 and 78.0% at 3 months post-ESG and 81.0 and 86.5% at 6 months post-ESG. Weight loss was similar between the three centers. Multivariable analysis showed that male sex, greater baseline body weight, and lack of prior endoscopic bariatric therapy were predictors of greater Δweight at 6 months. Three (2.7%) severe adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

ESG is an effective, reproducible, and safe weight loss therapy that is suitable for widespread clinical adoption.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for obesity patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe technique for weight loss intervention. Since a relatively small number of cases were present in previous studies, this study aimed to elucidate the efficacy and safety of ESG.

METHODS

Relevant publications were identified through searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science before March 1, 2019. The percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and the adverse event rate in each follow-up session were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Forest plots were graphed based on random effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 1542 patients from nine studies were eligible for analysis. The pooled results of %TBWL at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 8.78% (p = 0.000), 11.85% (p = 0.000), 14.47% (p = 0.024), and 16.09% (p = 0.063), respectively. The pooled results of %EWL at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 31.16% (p = 0.000), 43.61% (p = 0.000), 53.14% (p = 0.000), and 59.08% (p = 0.015), respectively. Finally, the pooled rate of mild adverse events was 72% (p < 0.01), and the pooled estimate of severe adverse events was only 1% (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Although the conventional surgical sleeve gastrectomy is the gold standard for bariatric surgery, ESG could be a promising minimally invasive alternative for treating obesity with satisfactory efficacy and low risk.

Endoscopic foregut surgery and interventions: The future is now. The state-of-the-art and my personal journey

In this paper, I reviewed the emerging field of endoscopic surgery and present data supporting the contention that endoscopy can now be used to treat many foregut diseases that have been traditionally treated surgically. Within each topic, the content will progress as follows: "lessons learned", "technical considerations" and "future opportunities". Lessons learned will provide a brief background and update on the most current literature. Technical considerations will include my personal experience, including tips and tricks that I have learned over the years. Finally, future opportunities will address current unmet needs and potential new areas of development. The foregut is defined as "the upper part of the embryonic alimentary canal from which the pharynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, liver, pancreas, and part of the duodenum develop". Foregut surgery is well established in treating conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, esophageal diverticula, Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, gastric-outlet obstruction, and obesity. Over the past decade, remarkable progress in interventional endoscopy has culminated in the conceptualization and practice of endoscopic foregut surgery for various clinical conditions summarized in this paper. Regarding GERD, there are now several technologies available to effectively treat it and potentially eliminate symptoms, and the need for long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors. For the first time, fundoplication can be performed without the need for open or laparoscopic surgery. Long-term data going out 5-10 years are now emerging showing extended durability. In respect to achalasia, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) which was developed in Japan, has become an alternative to the traditional Heller's myotomy. Recent meta-analysis show that POEM may have better results than Heller, but the issue of post-POEM GERD still needs to be addressed. There is now a resurgence of endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticula with improved technique (Z-POEM) and equipment; thus, patients are choosing flexible endoscopic treatment as opposed to open or rigid endoscopy options. In regard to BE, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) which is well established in Asia, is now becoming more mainstream in the West for the treatment of BE with high grade dysplasia, as well as early esophageal cancer. In combination with all the ablation technologies (radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, hybrid argon plasma coagulation), the entire spectrum of Barrett's and related dysplasia and early cancer can be managed predominantly by endoscopy. Importantly, in regard to early gastric cancer and submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the stomach, ESD and full thickness resection (FTR) can excise these lesions en-bloc and endoscopic suturing is now used to close large defects and perforations. For treatment of patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy is now showing better results than enteral stenting. G-POEM is also emerging as a treatment option for patients with gastroparesis. Obesity has become an epidemic in many western countries and is becoming also prevalent in Asia. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is now becoming an established treatment option, especially for obese patients with body mass index between 30 and 35. Data show an average weight loss of 16 kg after ESG with long-term data confirming sustainability. Finally, in respect to endo-hepatology, there are many new endoscopic interventions that have been developed for patients with liver disease. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy and EUS-guided portal pressure measurement are exciting new frontiers for the endo-hepatologists.

Intragastric Balloon Hyperinsufflation as a Cause of Acute Obstructive Abdomen

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the Orbera balloon for obesity treatment. However, the Food and Drug Administration later issued a warning about the possibility of 2 complications not previously reported: acute pancreatitis and balloon hyperinsufflation. This case report is intended to alert all clinicians that, although rare, cases of hyperinsufflation should be considered in patients with an intragastric balloon (IGB) and acute abdomen. IGB removal will resolve the complaints, provided there is no irreversible ischemia of the stomach walls. Care should be taken with respect to an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration at the time of balloon removal, and endotracheal intubation is highly recommended.

Real-World Safety and Efficacy of Fluid-Filled Dual Intragastric Balloon for Weight Loss

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Reshape Duo is a saline-filled dual, integrated intragastric balloon (IGB) approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss in patients with obesity. In a prospective, randomized trial, obese patients who received the balloon had significantly greater percent excess weight loss (%EWL) compared with patients treated with diet and exercise alone. However, there are limited data on the real-world efficacy of the Reshape balloon.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of data collected from 2 academic centers and 5 private practices in which all patients paid for the IGB and follow-up visits out of pocket. The IGB was removed after 6 months. We collected data (demographic, medical, and laboratory) from 202 adults (mean age 47.8 ± 10.8 years; 83% female) with a baseline mean body mass index of 36.8 + 8.4 kg/m² who had IGB insertion for weight loss therapy, along with counselling on lifestyle modifications focused on diet and exercise. Primary outcomes were percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) and %EWL at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Mean %TBWL at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months was 4.8 ± 2.4%, 8.8 ± 4.3%, 11.4 ± 6.7%, 13.3 ± 7.8%, and 14.7 ± 11.8%, respectively. Data were available from 101 patients at 6 months and 12 patients at 12 months; 60.4% of patients achieved more than 10% TBWL and 55.4% had more than 25% EWL. Seventeen patients (8.4%) had esophageal tears during balloon insertion, with no intervention required. Thirteen patients (6.4%) had their IGB removed before the end of the 6-month treatment period. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain were the most common adverse effects, occurring in 149 (73.8%), 99 (49%), and 51 (25.2%) patients. In one patient, the IGB migrated distally leading to small intestinal obstruction requiring surgical removal.

CONCLUSION

In a retrospective analysis of real-world patients who received the Reshape Duo IGB, we found it to be a safe and efficacious endoscopic method for producing weight loss, with most patients achieving greater than 10% TBWL at 6 months.

Gastric mucosal devitalization is safe and effective in reducing body weight and visceral adiposity in a porcine model

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The early improvement in metabolic profile after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) indicates that the significant benefits of metabolic surgery are gastric in origin. We have previously demonstrated that devitalization of the gastric mucosa (without a reduction in gastric volume) in metabolically disturbed obese rats results in an improvement of obesity and its associated comorbidities. The aims of this study were to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of gastric mucosal devitalization (GMD) in a large animal (porcine) model.

METHODS

A 3-arm (GMD versus SG versus sham [SH]) prospective randomized controlled trial with an 8-week follow-up period was performed. The primary endpoint was relative weight loss. Secondary endpoints were absolute body weight, abdominal visceral adiposity, abdominal subcutaneous adiposity, organ lipid content, and serum ghrelin level.

RESULTS

GMD resulted in a significant relative weight loss of 36% over SH at 8 weeks (P < .05). There was no significant difference in relative weight loss between GMD and SG at 4 weeks; however, SG resulted in a 29% superior relative weight loss at 8 weeks (P < .05). With regard to visceral adiposity, there was a significant benefit of GMD over SH at 8 weeks. Despite differences in relative weight loss, there was no significant difference in visceral adiposity between SG and GMD at 8 weeks. Significant improvements in GMD over SH were noted with regard to skeletal and heart muscle lipid content. GMD pigs at 8 weeks demonstrated regeneration of the gastric mucosa without ulceration or significant scarring. Despite mucosal regeneration, the abundance of serum ghrelin was significantly lower in the GMD cohort compared with the SG and SH cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

GMD was technically feasible and resulted in relative weight loss and an improvement in visceral adiposity. The benefits noted were out of proportion to what would be expected with weight loss alone.

Devices and Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies for Obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we describe the FDA-approved and investigational devices and endoscopic bariatric therapies for the treatment of obesity. We focus on literature published in the past few years and present mechanisms of action as well as efficacy and safety data.

RECENT FINDINGS

Devices and endoscopic procedures are emerging options to fill the significant treatment gap in the management of obesity. Not only are these devices and procedures minimally invasive and reversible, but they are potentially more effective than antiobesity medications, often safer for poor surgical candidates and possibly less expensive than bariatric surgery. As many patients require a variety of management strategies (medications, devices, procedures, and/or surgery) in addition to lifestyle modifications to achieve clinically significant weight loss, the future of obesity treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach. Combinations of advanced treatment strategies can lead to additive or synergistic weight loss. This is an area that requires further investigation.