Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies: Intragastric Balloons, Tissue Apposition, and Aspiration Therapy

AbstractPurpose of reviewEndoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) have been identified as a group of procedures that can bridge the treatment gap between bariatric surgical procedures and non-procedural treatments such as pharmacotherapy and lifestyle therapy. We will review the recent progress that has been made in this important area in the past several years.Recent findingsTraditional intragastric balloons (IGB) that are both placed and removed endoscopically have been the fixture of IGB therapy. They have been shown to be safe and effective, when kept in place for 6  months. Newer IGBs, both currently FDA approved and those in clinical trials, have unique features. The Obalon gastric balloon system is gas filled and does not require endoscopy for placement. The Elipse balloon system that is in clinical trials neither requires endoscopy for placement nor remova l. The Spatz3 balloon is in clinical trials and can be adjusted endoscopically by adding or subtracting volume to titrate balloon volume to symptoms and weight loss. In addition to IGBs, several other promising therapies have continued to evolve. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a promising g astric restriction technique that has efficacy and durability. POSE is a gastric plication technique that is available in Europe and in clinical trials in the USA. Aspiration therapy is a novel approach to weight loss that requires patient compliance but can be very effective and used long term.SummaryEBTs are an evolving ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research