What Are Emerging Bariatric Technologies?

The field of bariatric surgery is constantly evolving as we discover new procedures that are safer and less invasive. 

Some developing bariatric treatments and technologies, and procedures, are currently in use because they are safer and more successful for some patients than previous options. Others, such as the  Endoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (ESG), are innovative techniques with some potential for the future. They are still effective in some restricted or short-term situations today. However, further research and development will be required before they can be considered viable long-term therapies.

The majority of developing bariatric procedures are referred to as endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT) since they are conducted using an endoscope and innovative surgical equipment. All of this is inserted via the throat, eliminating the need for surgical incisions.

If you are looking for surgery, Consult Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu one of the best Bariatric surgery in Delhi.

Reshape Duo Balloon

These products are only FDA authorized for a 3-6 month period. These balloons are only permitted for short-term use owing to concerns regarding device durability and downstream migration, which might cause a blockage if left in situ for an extended period of time. Almost all patients will recover all of their weight within a short period of time once the balloon is removed.

While these balloons may assist patients in temporarily decreasing their excess weight by roughly 28% (much less than surgical approaches).  The balloons produce reactive stomach thickening. Because stapling this bigger stomach is more likely to result in a staple line leak, there are questions regarding the safety of employing these balloon systems as a bridge to surgery.

Patients should see these balloon devices as temporary 3-6 month weight loss only, since they may make future surgery unsafe. If you are even thinking about surgery in the future, having a balloon installed may reduce the safety of a future procedure and is unlikely to result in lasting weight reduction.

VBLOC

VBLOC is an electrical nerve-blocking implant. It reduces appetite by blocking part of the nerve impulses from the stomach to the brain. Although FDA-approved, this device is currently pricey and results in substantially less weight reduction (only 24% excess weight loss) than more traditional surgical techniques. Long-term trials are insufficient, thus there may be durability problems as well. However, with time and improvement, the VBLOC might improve in terms of cost and efficacy.

Sleeve Gastroplasty (Endoscopic)

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), also known as Transoral Sleeve Gastroplasty, is an endoscopic procedure that, like typical sleeve gastrectomy, involves putting sutures within the stomach to decrease stomach size. Endoscopic surgery is conducted via the throat. Because of this, the procedure is less intrusive than even laparoscopic surgery.

This method is still in its early phases, but preliminary findings raise two concerns:

1) Weight Loss: Weight reduction is just approximately half that of sleeve gastrectomy (35% excess weight loss).

2) Durability: Endoscopic sutures are more likely to tear through over time, affecting long-term weight reduction and possibly causing additional complications.

Stretta

The Stretta is a device that treats heartburn, reflux, or GERD by an endoscopic rather than surgical technique. It employed RF (radio frequency) radiation to thicken the lower esophageal valve, creating a stronger barrier against acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. While not as effective as typical anti-reflux surgical techniques, the StrettaT can enable up to 84% of patients to avoid anti-reflux drugs for up to 4 years and up to 64% to avoid anti-reflux meds for up to 10 years and maybe longer. In the end, this implies better reflux symptoms, contentment, and quality of life.

Because up to 20% of patients may suffer increased reflux after sleeve gastrectomy and may not be physically able to undergo normal anti-reflux surgery after the sleeve, the Stretta device may be an essential alternative to alleviate reflux symptoms without the need for revisional surgery.

LINXTM

Similarly, the LINX anti-reflux management system is a device developed to reduce GERD symptoms in individuals when more conventional methods, such as sleeve gastrectomy, are no longer accessible. To improve the barrier to reflux, the LINXTM employs a standard laparoscopic surgical method to insert a ring of titanium beads with magnetic cores around the lower esophagus. Following LINXTM insertion, more than 90% of patients see symptomatic relief in their reflux

Applications in Revisional Bariatric Surgery

These new bariatric technologies and treatments are seldom utilized to replace primary bariatric surgery but are increasingly being employed in revisional bariatric surgery. Following a gastric bypass, for example, the gastric pouch may extend, leading to weight return. This issue may be resolved by revisional bariatric surgery. Endoscopic ROSE (Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal) and APC (Argon Plasma Coagulation) are two new bariatric procedures that may aid with this revisional surgery*.

These are endoscopic operations, which are carried out by introducing tubes into the esophagus. In the revisional setting, this may be safer and less invasive than traditional laparoscopic surgical approaches.

If you are confused about which bariatric technologies to choose, Consult Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu one of the best Weight loss surgeon in Delhi will help you to choose the best Bariatric technology.

Also read All you need to know about Gastric plication.

Thanks for reading!