Introduction: Endoscopic gastroplasty is safe and effective in patients with class I and II obesity (Body Mass Index 30-40 Kg/m2). The total number of bariatric endoscopic procedures is constantly increasing in routine clinical practice. In fact this technique, associated with diet and lifestyle modifications is safe, mini-invasive and is characterized by a lower rate of complications compared to bariatric surgery. In the past years several endoscopic techniques have been used for the gastric endoscopic tubulization. We present our results from a prospective clinical trial evaluating the role of the Endomina system (E-ESG, Endo Tools therapeutics, Belgium). The aim was to evaluate the mean total body weight loss (TBWL) and the mean excess weight loss (EWL) at 6 and 12 months.
Methods: From July 2020 to May 2021 we enrolled in our Center 23 patients (19 female, 4 male) with class I and class II obesity (Body Mass Index 30-40 Kg/m2). The mean age was 45.9 years. Endoscopic gastroplasty was performed under general anesthesia using CO2 insufflation. No procedure complications or device-related severe adverse events were observed and patients were discharged 24 hours following the procedure. All patients were followed by our multidisciplinary team (gastroenterologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist, psychologist) for a total of 12 months after the endoscopic gastroplasty (1,3,6,9,12 months visit).
Results: At 6 months mean EWL was 62,56 % and mean TBWL was 16,89 % with a higher mean quality of life (QoL) compared to that before the procedure. The 12 months follow-up after the endoscopic gastroplasty is still ongoing; from the 23 patients initially enrolled 12 completed the follow-up with good results. In fact at 12 months the mean EWL was 58,76 % and the mean TBWL was 16,25%.
Discussion: In our clinical experience, endoscopic vertical gastroplasty in combination with diet and lifestyle modifications is a safe and effective option for patients with class I and II obesity. Further data on a larger sample of patients is needed.
