This podcast summarizes key information from the article published on the website of Dr. Murat Ustun, a leading bariatric surgeon in Turkey. The article focuses on Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), a minimally invasive procedure for weight loss.
What is ESG?
ESG is a non-surgical procedure where an endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. Special sutures are then used to reduce the stomach's volume, helping patients feel full faster and consume less food.
Who is ESG suitable for?
The procedure is generally suitable for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 who have struggled to lose weight through traditional methods like diet and exercise. It can also be an alternative for patients who are high-risk for open surgical procedures.
Procedure and Advantages:
Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours. Recovery is generally quick with a low risk of complications, highlighting the advantages of ESG as a minimally invasive procedure.
The article emphasizes the benefits of ESG over gastric balloons:
“Although the basic mechanism of both is to reduce stomach volume, there are significant differences between them and gastric balloons. First, in a gastric balloon, a foreign body made of silicone or polypropylene, i.e., a gastric balloon, is placed into the stomach and filled with serum. In endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, volume restriction is achieved only by placing sutures.”
The article highlights the comfort and long-term effectiveness of ESG compared to the temporary nature of gastric balloons.
Expected Weight Loss and Long-Term Care:
Patients can expect to lose 15-20% of their excess weight within the first six months. However, maintaining this weight loss requires commitment to lifestyle changes, including:
Eating smaller portions regularly
Adopting a healthy and balanced diet
Engaging in regular physical activity
Attending periodic health check-ups
Seeking support from nutritionists and psychologists if needed
Risks and Reversibility:
While generally low, risks associated with ESG include nausea, vomiting, temporary abdominal pain, and rare occurrences of infection, bleeding, or suture opening. Importantly, ESG is reversible, as the sutures can be removed endoscopically if needed, restoring the stomach to its original size.
ESG in Turkey and Cost:
The article notes that Dr. Murat Ustun pioneered ESG in Turkey in 2014 and continues to perform the procedure with a team of gastroenterologists and bariatric surgeons. The cost of ESG in Turkey ranges from 7,000 to 10,000 USD, making it more expensive than traditional bariatric surgery methods due to the specialized equipment required.
Conclusion:
ESG is presented as a promising non-surgical alternative for weight loss, especially for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40. The procedure boasts several advantages, including minimal invasiveness, quick recovery, and reversibility. However, long-term success depends heavily on patients adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes.
For more information: www.apolloendosleeve.com
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Frequently Asked Questions