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Background and Aims The COVID‐19 pandemic has led health institutions to cancel many of the activities including training in different fields. Most practices and training programs have been encouraged to use teleproctoring as an alternative method to enhance physician’s ability and assure training. We aimed to evaluate remote training program for endoscopy sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Methods Ten consecutive patients underwent an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure guided by a proctor expert using an online platform. A stepwise approach was created to assure skill acquisition. Results All cases were safely performed with no serious adverse events under teleproctoring. The average surgical and suturing times significantly decreased during the training model. From the first 5 cases to the last 5 ones, the endoscopic procedure time decreased from 120 to 93.4 min while suturing time from 92.8 to 68.4 min. The effect size was large in both cases, and the changes were meaningful according to the fitted learning curves. Conclusions The proposed teleproctoring program was effective to deliver advanced endoscopic skills such as endosuturing for ESG, despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Graphical abstract

Purpose of Review To provide updated evidence on the endoscopic procedures for weight loss and to bring personal insights on the future of endobariatrics. Recent Findings Intragastric balloons promote significant improvement in histologic and radiologic aspects of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is effective up to 5 years and seems particularly beneficial to patients with BMI≤40kg/m2; distal POSE is a promising technique but still lacks adequate clinical data; aspiration therapy triggers remarkable weight loss, but data on weight trends after removal of the device are still lacking; the satiety-inducing device, the sleeveballoon, the gastric mucosal devitalization, and the endoscopic magnetic partial jejunal diversion are promising procedures still under study and refinements. Summary Several therapeutic options are necessary during obesity’s natural history. Therefore, endobariatrics should act in harmony with lifestyle interventions, diet modification, psychological treatment, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery seeking the best outcome in the long term.

For high-risk classified patients, patients with superobesity and in cases of contraindication to abdominal surgery, traditional bariatric surgery might lead to potential morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel and effective bariatric therapy for morbidly obese patients. Our research group initially evaluated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of ESG for high-risk, high body mass index (BMI) patients, and patients contraindicated to abdominal surgeries. Eligible patients characterized as high-risk for bariatric surgery due to high-BMI, severe comorbidities, or impenetrable abdomen were prospectively documented. ESG was performed by using Overstich® (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX, USA). Primary outcomes included technical success, post-procedure adverse events and mortality, and the change of weight and BMI. ESG was successfully performed for all patients (N = 24, mean age was 55.6 (± 9.2) years old, 75% male). Baseline weight and BMI were 157.9 (± 49.1) kg and 49.9 (± 14.4) kg/m2. According to Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS), 8 (33.3%), 14 (58.3%), and 2 (8.3%) patients were respectively classified as EOSS 2, 3, and 4. Mean operation time was 114.7 (± 26.0) min, without intraoperative complication. Weight loss, BMI reduction, %total weight loss (%TWL), and %excess weight loss (%EWL) were 17.5 (± 14.6) kg, 5.6 (± 4.6) kg/m2, 12.2% (± 8.9%), and 29.1% (± 17.9%) at post-ESG 12-month, respectively. One (4.2%) moderate post-procedure adverse event (gastric mucosal bleeding) was observed. ESG can be used as a safe, feasible, and effective option for the therapy of patients with superobesity, high-risk patients, and patients contraindicated to abdominal surgery.

Obesity has become a health problem that generates significant expenses for the health system worldwide. It is associated with chronic diseases—such as high blood pressure and diabetes—and some types of cancers. Bariatric surgery is the gold standard in the treatment of morbid obesity. Several endoscopic procedures have emerged to treat the complications of these surgeries in a less invasive way, reducing morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review aims to present the best trend in the endoscopic treatment of bariatric surgery complications.

Background and Aims Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) facilitates significant and durable weight loss; however, weight recidivism and need for revisional surgery occur in a subset of patients. Reduction of a dilated LSG using the revisional endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (R-ESG) approach is an appealing and minimally invasive alternative to surgical revision that is congruent with obesity as a chronic relapsing disease model. In this study, we examine the safety and efficacy of the technique in a large multicenter international cohort. Methods Prospectively collected data from 9 centers for 82 consecutive adults who underwent R-ESG for weight regain after LSG using the OverStitch device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Tex, USA) from March 2014 to November 2019 were reviewed. Total body weight loss (TBWL) and adverse events were reported up to 12 months. Univariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of response at 12 months. Results Eighty-two adults (92.7% female) experienced 27.9 ± 20.7 kg weight regain from post-LSG nadir weight, prompting R-ESG (mean age, 42.8 ± 10.4 years) at a mean weight of 128.2 ± 57.5 kg. Mean R-ESG procedure duration was 48.3 ± 20.5 minutes, and the median number of sutures used was 4 (interquartile range, 3-4). After R-ESG, TBWL (follow-up %) was 6.6% ± 3.2% at 1 month (81.7%), 10.6% ± 4.4% at 3 months (74.4%), 13.2% ± 10.1% at 6 months (63.4%), and 15.7% ± 7.6% at 12 months (51.2%). In a per-protocol analysis, ≥10% TBWL was achieved by 37 of 51 patients (72.5%) at 6 months and 34 of 42 patients (81.0%) at 12 months; ≥15% TBWL was achieved by 20 of 46 patients (43.5%) at 6 months and 22 of 42 patients (52.4%) at 12 months. Only 1 moderate adverse event occurred in the form of a narrowed gastroesophageal junction, which resolved after a single endoscopic dilation. Conclusions R-ESG is a safe and effective means of facilitating weight loss for weight recidivism after LSG, with sustained results at 1 year. R-ESG should be considered before pursuing more-invasive surgical revisional options.

Weight regain after balloon retrieval is a concern with all intra-gastric balloons (IGBs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, to prevent weight regain following IGB retrieval. This was a case-matched study of patients undergoing Spatz3 adjustable IGB (Spatz FGIA, Inc. NY, USA) at three outpatient clinics in Brazil between November 2015 and January 2019. Seventy-seven patients that opted to take liraglutide following IGB retrieval (IGB-L) were matched 1:1 to 198 patients that declined the medication—IGB-Alone (IGB-A). Propensity score adjustment was performed at the time of balloon retrieval on factors known to influence the choice of liraglutide. Weight and percent body fat (%BF) was measured at baseline and 9 months after IGB retrieval. % BF is defined as the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. The primary outcome was weight regain, and the secondary outcome was change in %BF 9 months after IGB retrieval. Propensity score matching yielded 53 matched pairs. Weight regain to the starting point was not observed in either group. There was significantly less weight regain in IGB-L compared to IGB-A, − 1.15 ± 0.94 kg versus − 0.66 ± 0.99 kg (p = 0.010) 9 months after balloon retrieval. Additionally, %BF decline in IGB-L was superior to IGB-A − 10.83 ± 1.50 versus − 7.94 ± 2.02 (p

Background Gastric sleeve stenosis (GSS) is reported in .7% to 4% of cases after sleeve gastrectomy. Two endoscopic balloon dilation techniques are available with no clear consensus on the therapeutic approach. Objectives To compare the treatment efficacy and safety between hydrostatic and pneumatic balloon dilations for GSS. Setting Academic referral centers, United States and a meta-analysis. Methods Consecutive patients who presented with GSS and underwent endoscopic hydrostatic and/or pneumatic balloon dilations at 3 tertiary care hospitals were included. Clinical success was defined as an improvement of symptoms that allowed the patient to avoid further interventions. A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant studies for meta-analysis. Results Of 46 patients, 13 had pneumatic dilation only, 26 had hydrostatic dilation only, and 7 had pneumatic dilation after failed hydrostatic dilation. Clinical success was not significantly different among the 3 groups with the success rates of 30.8%, 57.6%, and 57.1% (P = .25) after single dilation and 61.5%, 63.6%, and 71.4% (P = .90) after serial dilations in the pneumatic group, hydrostatic group, and pneumatic after failed hydrostatic group, respectively. Patients who failed hydrostatic balloon dilation (n = 7) had a success rate of 71.4% with subsequent pneumatic dilation. Two serious adverse events were observed in the pneumatic group, whereas none were observed in the hydrostatic group. A meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 360 patients demonstrated higher clinical success with single pneumatic balloon dilation compared with hydrostatic balloon dilation (62.2% versus 36.4%; P = .007) with higher adverse events (3 versus 0 events). Conclusions Hydrostatic balloon dilation should be considered as an initial modality for GSS given its acceptable success rate and high safety profile. In those who fail hydrostatic balloon dilation, a subsequent step-up approach to pneumatic balloon dilation or revisional surgery should be attempted.

Obesity is escalating worldwide, and endoscopic alternatives to bariatric surgery are undoubtedly welcome. Among the endoscopic modalities, the employment of a space-occupying device is one of the most ancient and effective therapies. Several intragastric balloons are currently available for clinical use, each with different particularities. This review aims to summarize history, current status, and future perspectives on the most ancient endoscopic bariatric therapy: the intragastric balloon and its analogs.

The isolated stricture after the sleeve gastrectomy is one of the possible surgical complications. Previous algorithms have been proposed to address the workup and treatment of sleeve gastrectomy stricture. However, current literature lacks standardization and systematic reviews on this topic. This study aimed to review all currently available publications and to create evidence-based recommendations. We searched Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Central Cochrane from inception to June 10, 2019. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting treatment of sleeve gastrectomy stricture with no associated leaks. The primary outcome was the reported clinical resolution rate. The final analysis included 32 articles. The pooled reported clinical resolution rate for the primary treatment was 68% (11/16), 82% (296/361), and 75% (34/45) for noninvasive medical therapy, endoscopic, and surgical treatments, respectively (not significant). Among the endoscopic modalities, the pneumatic dilation has the highest clinical success rate. Most rescue surgeries described in the literature were successful. Conclusively, the initial treatment should entail noninvasive medical management followed by the endoscopic approach, if needed. Pneumatic balloon dilation should be the preferred approach, if technically feasible. Revisional surgery should be reserved for endoscopic failure.

The placement of an intragastric balloon (IGB) plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of obesity. The authors describe the cases of 2 female patients, 34 and 62 years old, who were submitted to the implantation of a Spatz3® IGB to treat obesity. Ten to fourteen weeks later, the patients presented complaints of epigastric pain, vomiting, and abdominal distension. A bulging of the upper abdominal wall was noticed upon physical examination. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed the clinical suspicion of IGB hyperinflation. It was decided to remove the 500 mL of saline solution with methylene blue from inside the balloon. During the same procedure, the IGB was refilled with 500 mL of fresh saline solution, methylene blue, and empiric β-lactam antibiotic. The extracted content of the hyperinflated IGB was sent for microbiological culturing and was found to be positive for Streptococcus viridans in one of the cases. In the other case, the culture examination was negative, and after 8 weeks, the patient presented again with hyperinflation of the IGB. It was then decided to substitute the IGB with another balloon; the procedure was uneventful. The content of the removed IGB was sent for microbiological testing, and colonization by Candida tropicaliswas confirmed. This is a rare but potentially serious complication of IGB placement. Randomized trials are needed to clarify the role of antibiotics and antifungals in primary and secondary prophylaxis against IGB hyperinflation.

Background Sleeve gastrectomy is a well-standardized surgical treatment for obesity. However, rates of weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy in long-term follow-up are relatively high. This multicenter study is the first to evaluate the use of an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) technique for the management of this population. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study, including patients with weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy who underwent ESG for weight loss. Primary outcomes included absolute weight loss, percent total weight loss (%TWL), change in body mass index (BMI), percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 6 and 12 months, and safety profile. Clinical success was defined as achieving ≥ 25 % EWL at 1 year, ≤ 5 % serious adverse event (SAE) rate following society-recommended thresholds, and %TWL ≥ 10 %. Results 34 patients underwent ESG after sleeve gastrectomy. Technical success was 100 %. At 1 year, 82.4 % and 100 % of patients achieved ≥ 10 %TWL and ≥ 25 % EWL, respectively. Mean (SD) %TWL was 13.2 % (3.9) and 18.3 % (5.5), and %EWL was 51.9 % (19.1) and 69.9 % (29.9) at 6 months and 1 year, respectively. Mean (SD) %TWL was 14.2 % (12.5), 19.3 % (5.3), 17.5 % (5.2), and 20.4 % (3.3), and %EWL was 88.5 % (52.8), 84.4 % (22.4), 55.4 % (14.8), and 47.8 % (11.2) for BMI categories of overweight and obesity class I, II, and III, respectively, at 1 year. No predictors of success were identified in the multivariable regression analysis. No SAEs were reported. Conclusion ESG appears to be safe and effective in the management of weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy.

The authors evaluated, retrospectively, the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty impact in seven HIV patients, regarding effectiveness and safety outcomes. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 33.76 kg/m2. The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 690.43 cells/mm3, and the baseline viral load was undetectable. After 6 months, absolute weight loss, percentage of excess weight loss, percentage total weight loss, and BMI reduction were 20.2 ± 2.6 kg, 85.5 ± 11.1%, 21.3 ± 2.4%, and 7.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2, respectively. No patients presented severe adverse events. After 6 months, the viral load remained undetectable and the mean CD4+ cell count was 710.57 cells/mm3. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an effective and safe procedure to perform in obese HIV patients.

Introduction Argon plasma coagulation (APC) alone is effective and safe at treating weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, technical details of the treatment vary widely among studies. Therefore, we aimed to create good clinical practice guidelines through a modified Delphi consensus, including experts from the collaborative Bariatric Endoscopy Brazilian group. Methods Forty-one locally renowned experts were invited to the consensus by email. Experiences of > 150 APC-treated cases or authorship of relevant articles were the eligibility criteria. An initial questionnaire with short-answer questions was distributed to the experts. The organizing committee converted the responses into statements for an online 2-day voting webinar. Consensus was defined as more than 67% of positive answers. Three consecutive voting rounds were planned with discussion and statement refinements between rounds. Results Thirty-seven experts fulfilled eligibility criteria and attended the live webinar voting. The total number of patients treated by the panel was 12,349. By the third round, all 79 statements reached consensus. The recommendations include the definition of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis as ≥ 15 mm, minimum regain of 20% of the lost weight to indicate the APC therapy, 6 to 8 weeks as the ideal interval between ablation sessions, and stopping treatment when the stoma reaches

Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a medical device used in the endoscopic treatment of pre-obesity and obesity. The involvement of IGB with biofilms has been previously reported; however, little is still known. We determine the frequency of biofilms naturally formed on the external surface of IGB, as well as some variables related to IGB types and patients features, species of fungi involved, and biofilm evidence. A retrospective study was conducted based on endoscopies and medical records of patients with explanted IGB between 2015 and 2018, which had masses strongly adhered to the surface of the balloon, suspecting the presence of a biofilm. From 2018, the samples of those masses were investigated seeking biofilm characterization based on mycological and structural aspects. A total of 149 endoscopies were surveyed; 27 IGBs (18.12%) showed signs suggesting biofilm formation. There was no significant difference between biofilm involvement in IGB and the anthropometric and demographic profile of the patients. On the other hand, there was a significant difference regarding the IGB type, 24.05% of the adjustable IGB were compromised by biofilm, while in non-adjustable IGB, it was 11.43% (p = 0.04; OR 2.45; 95% CI, 0.98–6.12). Candida glabrata was the most isolated fungal species from the well-organized fungal biofilm. The frequency of fungal biofilm naturally formed on the external surface of IGB was elevated. The risk of biofilm formation was increased for the adjustable IGB, but it did not relate to the demographic data and anthropometric patient profile.

Obesity is a pandemic affecting approximately 700 million adults worldwide, with an additional 2 billion overweight. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive endoscopic bariatric therapy that involves remodeling of the greater curvature in an effort to reduce gastric capacity and delay gastric emptying. A variety of ESG suture patterns has been reported. This study is the first to use a uniform "U" stitch pattern across all centers to simplify technical aspects of the procedure and limit cost. This also uniquely assessed outcomes in all body mass index (BMI) categories and changes in metabolic rate, lean body mass, and adipose tissue composition.This is a multicenter analysis of prospectively collected data from 7 centers including patients with overweight and obesity who underwent ESG. Primary outcomes included absolute weight loss, percent total body weight loss (%TWL), change in BMI, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 6 and 12 months in overweight and obese classes I, II, and III. Secondary outcomes included adipose tissue, lean body mass reduction, and metabolic rate analyzed by bioimpedance. Additionally, immediate or delayed adverse events (AEs) were analyzed. Clinical success was defined as achieving ≥25% EWL at 1 year with ≤5% serious AE (SAE) rate following the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)/American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) threshold.A total of 193 patients underwent ESG during the study period. All groups had10% TWL and25% EWL at 6 months of follow-up. On average, %TWL was 14.25% ± 5.26% and 15.06% ± 5.22% and the %EWL 56.15% ± 22.93% and 59.41% ± 25.69% at 6 months and 1 year of follow-up, respectively. %TWL was 8.91% ± .3%, 13.92% ± 5.76%, 16.22% ± 7.69%, and 19.01% ± .95% and %EWL 56.21% ± 2.0%, 62.03% ± 27.63%, 54.13% ± 23.46%, and 46.78% ± 2.43% for overweight and obesity classes I, II, and III, respectively, at 1 year. Male sex, age 41 years, and higher BMI were predictors of achieving a TWL ≥10% at 1-year follow-up. There was a significant reduction in adipose tissue from baseline. SAEs occurred in 1.03%, including 2 perigastric collections needing surgery.ESG appears to be feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of patients with overweight and obesity according to ASGE/ASMBS thresholds.

The endoscopic armamentarium against obesity and metabolic syndrome is rapidly growing and improving. Novel devices have been tested and recent data either support or reject their use. We aim to discuss current data on new endoscopic procedures addressing overweight, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.Four-year follow-up of the aspiration therapy have shown efficacy and safety at long term. A recent consensus on intragastric balloon gathered experience from more than 40 000 procedures and standardized most steps of the treatment. The TransPyloric Shuttle has been proven effective at short term but carries high rates of adverse events. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty promotes similar weight loss to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in mildly obese patien. The endoluminal magnetic partial jejunal diversion promoted good weight loss and a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) but most cases required laparoscopic assistance to couple the magnets. One-year follow-up demonstrated that the duodenal mucosal resurfacing carried a 1.0% reduction in HbA1c.Innovative endoscopic procedures focused on the treatment of overweight and related diseases are available and there is growing evidence supporting their use. Nonetheless, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COG/A25.

Background The management of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leaks remains a challenge. This can be treated with placement of self-expandable metal stents, which are most effective in the acute and early settings. However, migration is a frequent adverse event (AE). Novel, fully covered stents with a larger proximal flare to limit migration designed specifically to treat postsleeve leaks were recently introduced. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel stent specifically designed for postsleeve leaks treatment. Setting Multicenter retrospective study. Methods This is a multicenter study, including patients with acute and early post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leaks, treated with a large bariatric stent. The outcomes include technical success, clinical success, and safety profile. A multivariable regression was performed to assess predictors of success. Results Thirty-seven patients were included (10 acute and 27 early leaks), with 30 stents in the postpyloric (POST) and 7 in the prepyloric position. Technical success was 100%. Mean stent dwell time was 29.08 days. Clinical success was achieved in 78.37%. Leak duration, leak size, and stent dwell time did not correlate with clinical success. During follow-up, 8 patients had stent migration (21.62%) and all were in a POST position. AE poststent removal were also evaluated (prepyloric: 57.14% vs POST: 33.3%, P = .45). There was no difference between prepyloric and POST position in the severe AE analysis. Conclusions This novel, large-caliber, fully covered stent specifically designed for sleeve leaks appears to be effective at treating acute and early leaks. However, the large flanges and long stent length do not appear to reduce migration rate and may be associated with higher overall severe AE rates. Avoiding placement in the POST position may help mitigate migration risk; however, owing to the risk profile this stent should be used with caution.

Background: The duodenum has become a metabolic treatment target through bariatric surgery learnings and the specific observation that bypassing, excluding or altering duodenal nutrient exposure elicits favourable metabolic changes. Duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) is a novel endoscopic procedure that has been shown to improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) irrespective of body mass index (BMI) changes. DMR involves catheter-based circumferential mucosal lifting followed by hydrothermal ablation of duodenal mucosa. This multicentre study evaluates safety and feasibility of DMR and its effect on glycaemia at 24 weeks and 12 months. Methods: International multicentre, open-label study. Patients (BMI 24-40) with T2D (HbA1c 59-86 mmol/mol (7.5%-10.0%)) on stable oral glucose-lowering medication underwent DMR. Glucose-lowering medication was kept stable for at least 24 weeks post DMR. During follow-up, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, hepatic transaminases, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), adverse events (AEs) and treatment satisfaction were determined and analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. Results: Forty-six patients were included of whom 37 (80%) underwent complete DMR and 36 were finally analysed; in remaining patients, mainly technical issues were observed. Twenty-four patients had at least one AE (52%) related to DMR. Of these, 81% were mild. One SAE and no unanticipated AEs were reported. Twenty-four weeks post DMR (n=36), HbA1c (-10±2 mmol/mol (-0.9%±0.2%), p, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

It is known that the rapid weight loss is a predisposing factor to develop biliary lithiasis. The physiopathology is related with an oversaturation of bile with cholesterol, bile stasis, and increase in mucin concentration in bile. The incidence of cholelithiasis post gastric bypass is estimated around 37%. Almost 50% developed disease in the first year of monitoring, and 60% in the first 6 months. Meanwhile the patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy have an incidence of cholelithiasis of 27%. Diverse kinds of protocols exist: prophylactic surgery (simultaneous cholecystectomy and gastric bypass in every patients, whether they have or not cholelithiasis), elective (simultaneous cholecystectomy with conventional gastric bypass in the patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis), and conventional cholecystectomy only in the presence of cholelithiasis with symptoms. Which way to go is still a topic of discussion among surgeons but the majority agree that prophylactic surgery shouldn’t be an option because the number of patients that will develop symptomatic cholelithiasis is low (around 6% to 8% of them) and this leads to an elevated number of patients exposed to an unnecessary procedure with potential complications. The presence of gallstones in the common bile duct (CBD) although is a rare complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (around 0.2% of the bariatric patients) represents an important challenge due to the anatomical modifications of the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to having to pursue other methods to reach the papillae for the resolution of choledocholithiasis: laparoscopy-assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), balloon enteroscopy assisted ERCP, percutaneous biliary drainage with subsequent trans fistula treatment and laparoscopic exploration of CBD. Which of these methods should we choose must be based on the surgeon experience, the equipment available and the location of the stone. But whatever the method, a special training is needed on endoscopy, percutaneous surgery and laparoscopy.

Background and aim Despite widespread adoption and encouraging results seen over the last 5 years, no consensus exists regarding the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) technique, training, or preprocedure and postprocedure management of the patient. The aim of our survey was to assess practice trends and preferences of bariatric endoscopists with respect to ESG. Methods Using a digital platform, we conducted a worldwide survey by emailing a link with an electronic questionnaire to 1200 bariatric endoscopists trained to perform endoscopic suturing using the Apollo Overstitch suturing device (Apollo Endosurgery). Results We received 221 responses that were included in the analysis. Fifty-one responders (36.4%) required 1 to 10 procedures, and 37 (26.4%) needed 11 to 20 procedures to become proficient at ESG. Ninety-six (68.6%) stated that lower body mass index thresholds should be adopted for Asian and Arab patients. There was no consensus on the ideal number of sutures, with 45 (32.1%), 42 (30%), 36 (25.7%), 13 (9.3%), and 4 (2.9%) recommending 4 to 6, 5 to 7, 6 to 8, 7 to 9, and 8 to 12 sutures, respectively. The primary barriers to establishing an endobariatric program were the inability to establish a cash pay model, 77 (95.1%); lack of institutional support, 61 (75.3%); and difficulty in establishing an ambulatory surgical center/hospital to perform ESG, 73 (90.1%). Conclusions ESG practice trends remain heterogenous among practitioners in regard to indication, technique, and preprocedure and postprocedure management. Specific ESG guidelines are warranted, and this survey will assist in providing the framework for these guidelines to be written.

Endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) are suitable alternatives since only a tiny portion of patients with definite indications undergo bariatric surgery. Several endoluminal modalities are currently available, but the level of evidence supporting each of them varies widely. This review aims to summarize the most relevant and novel evidence on EBTs. The intragastric balloon is the oldest EBT, and there is sound evidence supporting its use to address overweight and obesity; there is a novel space-occupying device that causes intermittent gastric outlet obstruction and has recently been approved by the FDA; gastric reduction methods (POSE and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) have new and promising data showing its effectiveness and safety; the endoluminal duodenal bypass liner has been abandoned from clinical use due to high rates of serious adverse events. This article reviews the novel and traditional EBTs and their corresponding supportive data for the primary treatment of obesity. Also, we provide insightful personal perspectives on the future of endoluminal bariatric therapies.

Esophageal motility disorders include several benign diseases of the esophagus that impair adequate conduction of the food bolus to the stomach. In spite of the etiology, the classic gold-standard treatment for achalasia is the surgical Heller’s myotomy, typically associated with a fundoplication to avoid long-term gastroesophageal reflux. However, several endoscopic techniques have been reported to address achalasia and other disorders, each with different efficacy and safety profiles. Botulinum toxin injection at the esophagogastric junction, pneumatic dilation with large balloons, and most recently the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are the main endoscopic treatment modalities. The aim of this chapter is to review and summarize the current role of these endoluminal approaches to treat achalasia and other dysmotility disorders.

Magnets are intriguing components since they may exert long-lasting force over a distance. Recently, the emerging gastrointestinal endoscopy field embraced it as a potential point of interest, especially in performing sutureless and incisionless anastomoses. Gastric outlet obstruction, obesity, and diabetes are the main targets currently. This chapter summarizes available data regarding the use of a magnetic force in creating endoscopic bowel anastomoses.

Objective: Hydrothermal duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) is a safe, outpatient endoscopic procedure. REVITA-2, a double-blind, superiority randomised controlled trial, investigates safety and efficacy of DMR using the single catheter Revita system (Revita DMR (catheter and system)), on glycaemic control and liver fat content in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Design: Eligible patients (haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 59-86 mmol/mol, body mass index≥24 and ≤40 kg/m2, fasting insulin >48.6 pmol/L, ≥1 oral antidiabetic medication) enrolled in Europe and Brazil. Primary endpoints were safety, change from baseline in HbA1c at 24 weeks, and liver MRI proton-density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) at 12 weeks. Results: Overall mITT (DMR n=56; sham n=52), 24 weeks post DMR, median (IQR) HbA1c change was -10.4 (18.6) mmol/mol in DMR group versus -7.1 (16.4) mmol/mol in sham group (p=0.147). In patients with baseline liver MRI-PDFF >5% (DMR n=48; sham n=43), 12-week post-DMR liver-fat change was -5.4 (5.6)% in DMR group versus -2.9 (6.2)% in sham group (p=0.096). Results from prespecified interaction testing and clinical parameter assessment showed heterogeneity between European (DMR n=39; sham n=37) and Brazilian (DMR n=17; sham n=16) populations (p=0.063); therefore, results were stratified by region. In European mITT, 24 weeks post DMR, median (IQR) HbA1c change was -6.6 mmol/mol (17.5 mmol/mol) versus -3.3 mmol/mol (10.9 mmol/mol) post-sham (p=0.033); 12-week post-DMR liver-fat change was -5.4% (6.1%) versus -2.2% (4.3%) post-sham (p=0.035). Brazilian mITT results trended towards DMR benefit in HbA1c, but not liver fat, in context of a large sham effect. In overall PP, patients with high baseline fasting plasma glucose ((FPG)≥10 mmol/L) had significantly greater reductions in HbA1c post-DMR versus sham (p=0.002). Most adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusions: DMR is safe and exerts beneficial disease-modifying metabolic effects in T2D with or without non-alcoholic liver disease, particularly in patients with high FPG. Trial registration number: NCT02879383, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Bariatric endoscopy is a less invasive approach for obesity management, with better efficacy than pharmacological treatment and low morbidity. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is the remodeling of the stomach using a suturing device showing technical feasibility, safety, and sustained weight loss. With growing numbers of procedures worldwide, there is a need to standardize the procedure. A consensus meeting was held in Sao Caetano do Sul-SP, Brazil, in June 2019, bringing together 47 Brazilian endoscopists with experience in ESG from all regions of the country. Topics on indications and contraindications of the procedure, pre-procedure evaluation and multidisciplinary follow-up, technique and post-procedure follow-up, and training requirements were discussed. An electronic voting was carried, and a consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement. The panel’s experience consisted of 1828 procedures, with a mean percentage total body weight loss (TBWL) of 18.2% in 1 year. Adverse events happened in 0.8% of the cases, the most common being hematemesis. The selected experts discussed and reached a consensus on several questions concerning patient selection, contraindications for the procedure, technical details such as patient preparation, procedure technique, and patient follow-up. This consensus establishes practical guidelines for performance of ESG. The experience of 1828 procedures shows the expertise of the selected specialists participating in this consensus statement. The group’s experience has a satisfactory weight loss with low adverse events rate. The main points discussed in this paper may serve as a guide for endoscopists performing ESG. Practical recommendations and technique standardization are described.

Bariatric endoscopy (BE) encompasses a number of techniques -some consolidated, some under development- aiming to contribute to the management of obese patients and their associated metabolic diseases as a complement to dietary and lifestyle changes. To date different intragastric balloon models, suture systems, aspiration methods, substance injections and both gastric and duodenal malabsorptive devices have been developed, as well as endoscopic procedures for the revision of bariatric surgery. Their ongoing evolution conditions a gradual increase in the quantity and quality of scientific evidence about their effectiveness and safety. Despite this, scientific evidence remains inadequate to establish strong grades of recommendation allowing a unified perspective on prophylaxis in BE. This dearth of data conditions leads, in daily practice, to frequently extrapolate the measures that are used in bariatric surgery (BS) and/or in general therapeutic endoscopy. In this respect, this special article is intended to reach a consensus on the most common prophylactic measures we should apply in BE. The methodological design of this document was developed while attempting to comply with the following 5 phases: Phase 1: delimitation and scope of objectives, according to the GRADE Clinical Guidelines. Phase 2: setup of the Clinical Guide-developing Group: national experts, members of the Grupo Espanol de Endoscopia Bariatrica (GETTEMO, SEED), SEPD, and SECO, selecting 2 authors for each section. Phase 3: clinical question form (PICO): patients, intervention, comparison, outcomes. Phase 4: literature assessment and synthesis. Search for evidence and elaboration of recommendations. Based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification, most evidence in this article will correspond to level 5 (expert opinions without explicit critical appraisal) and grade of recommendation C (favorable yet inconclusive recommendation) or D (inconclusive or inconsistent studies). Phase 5: External review by experts. We hope that these basic preventive measures will be of interest for daily practice, and may help prevent medical and/or legal conflicts for the benefit of patients, physicians, and BE in general.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most widely performed bariatric surgeries. However, the relapse of obesity occurs in approximately 20% of patients and enlargement of the anastomosis is one of the factors associated with this relapse. Endoscopic treatment of the anastomosis has been proposed to assist in renewed weight loss. One endoscopic technique is the narrowing of the anastomosis argon plasma coagulation (APC). Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the endoscopic treatment of an enlarged anastomosis with APC. A randomized controlled study was conducted comparing APC to exclusive multidisciplinary management after weight regain. Forty-two patients were divided into two groups: APC (n = 22) and control (n = 20). After 14 months of follow-up with a crossover at 6 months, significant improvement in satiety and greater weight loss were found in the APC group and after crossover. APC was associated with significant weight loss [9.73 (7.46, 12) vs. + 1.38 (− 1.39, 2.15)], a reduction in the anastomosis diameter [p

Bariatric surgery can cause resolution of the clinical manifestations of type 2 diabetes, as well as improvement. There are data that do not allow the assumption of an absolute cause-and-effect relationship between body weight and type 2 diabetes. The primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity, and 90% of all patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Metabolic surgery is the only diabetes treatment proven to result in long-term remission in 23–60% of patients depending upon preoperative duration of diabetes and disease severity. Reported an overall type 2 DM remission rate of 78% after bariatric surgery with 1–3 years of follow-up. Surgery should also be considered for patients with type 2 DM and BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m2 if hyperglycemia is inadequately controlled despite optimal treatment with either oral or injectable medications.

Preoperative use of an intragastric balloon is an strategy that can be employed to reduce the difficulty and risks of super-obese patients undergoing surgery. Super obesity is considered a nutritional disorder; more common in Western countries and is related to high morbidity and mortality. Different options exist for the treatment of obesity including diet, behavioral therapy, medications, and surgery. The intragastric balloon is an endoscopic procedure that has started to be indicated as a bridge procedure to reduce risk in the super-obese patients. Liver volume is reduced, thereby facilitating the bariatric surgery. The preoperative use of an intragastric balloon is an important strategy for super-obese patients who have elevated surgical risk. Its use as a bridge to surgery reduces the comorbidities responsible for postoperative complications.

In recent decades, the incidence and prevalence of childhood obesity has increased in most countries. The prevalence of obesity in children aged 6–11 years has increased from 4.2% in the 1960s to 19.6% in 2007–2008, that is about a fivefold increase in 40 years. The prevalence of the most relevant comorbidities in the adult population, such as hypertension, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, increased from 2.8% in 1980 to 6.4% in 2011, with an estimate of about 20% of the population by 2021. In addition to this, obesity affects special populations, such as patients with total or partial situs inversus, the elderly and individuals with chronic diseases, thereby increasing comorbidities and making treatment more difficult. The aim of this chapter is to gather the most important published information of the use of intragastric balloons in obese children and special patients in order to assist readers in decision-making about the use of this device for safe and effective weight loss. The use of endoscopic devices has been reported for many years inconnection with the many challenges related to obesity and its comorbidities in pediatric and special populations, with most results being positive. The intragastric balloon is an important tool for bariatric endoscopy in high-risk surgical patients.

According to the IFSO report issued in 2015, approximately 86 thousand bariatric surgeries have been performed in Brazil, the second most frequent of which is gastric bypass. The most common late-onset complication is the return of obesity, with weight regain and the recurrence of previously controlled comorbidities. As a consequence of weight regain, abnormal anatomic findings are encountered in 71.2% of patients: 58.9% with dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, 28.8% with dilation of the pouch, and 12.3% with both types of dilation. Endoscopic methods for the treatment of the anastomosis and pouch are performed to exert an influence on weight regain.

Among the endoscopic methods for obesity treatment, the intragastric balloons (IGB) are the most frequently used, especially the liquid IGB. Implant and removal of the device are considered safe endoscopic procedures, when the technical parameters are correctly followed. The authors of this chapter describe the technique of implant and explant of the nonadjustable regular liquid-filled balloon.

The Brazilian experience shows that the intragastric balloon device leads to satisfactory weight loss with a low rate of adverse events. A consensus meeting was held, bringing together 39 Brazilian endoscopists with extensive experience from all regions of the country. Topics on patient selection, indications, contraindications, multidisciplinary follow-up, technique, and adverse events were discussed in the form of questions. Also, data regarding the group’s experience was gathered.

Background and study aims Obesity is a serious disease, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have been in use since the 1980s. After the insertion of an IGB, complications such as migration of the device and even severe gastric perforation can occur, requiring laparoscopic surgery. Here, we report three cases of gastric perforation after IGB insertion. In all three cases, the perforation was successfully repaired through an exclusively endoscopic approach.

Bariatric surgery in patients with any deviation from normal anatomy is a challenge and requires considerable experience on the part of the surgeon. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital abnormality (1:5,000–1:20,000 live births), and any surgical procedure on these patients can be somewhat challenging. A 44-year-old woman with morbid obesity, systemic arterial hypertension, and SIT underwent vertical endoscopic gastroplasty. The procedure was performed in 56 minutes with no complications. Vertical endoscopic gastroplasty proved to be safe on this patient with SIT, with reproducible technical viability, a short procedure time, and no early onset complications. Prospective studies are needed to establish the actual safety and viability of the method in this group of patients.

Obesity is a disease that is highly prevalent in Brazil, and the associated comorbidities represent a major global public health challenge. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a potent neurotoxin and inhibitor of gastric smooth muscle activity. In theory, BTX-A administration should promote early satiety and weight loss because it delays gastric emptying by inhibiting acetylcholine-mediated peristalsis, which is primarily responsible for gastric motility. Because results in the literature are discrepant, the efficacy of intragastric injections of BTX-A as a primary treatment for obesity remains unknown. The objective of this prospective, double-blind, single-center randomized study was to evaluate the effects of endoscopic ultrasound-guided intragastric BTX-A injections, as a bridge to bariatric surgery, in super-obese patients. Thirty-two super-obese patients were randomized to one of two groups: BTX-A, in which 200 units of BTX-A were injected into the gastric antrum and body; and control, in which the same injections were performed with 0.9% saline. Weight, body mass index (BMI), and loss of excess weight were measured monthly over a 6-month period. Gastric emptying scintigraphy was performed before and after the procedure. The patients in both groups showed significant weight loss over the course of the study (p

Complications after bariatric procedures including leaks and strictures can be difficult to treat. Endoscopic treatment may be preferable due to its less invasiveness. The aim of this study is to describe usage of stents in treating complications after bariatric procedures, along with its indications, methods, and outcome. A total of 87 patients underwent endoscopic stenting after a bariatric procedure from January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016, in four bariatric centers. Previous bariatric procedures included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 33), sleeve gastrectomy (n = 50), duodenal switch (DS, n = 2), and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG, n = 2). Mean age at intervention was 42.6 ± 10.0 years old, and mean body mass index was 41.6 ± 4.0 kg/m2 at the time of bariatric procedure. Reasons for stenting included sleeve leakage (n = 48), gatrojejunostomy (GJ) leakage (n = 21), stricture (n = 8), staple-line disruption (n = 7), and obstruction at the site of ring (n = 2). Migration occurred in 19.5% (n = 17) of patients undergoing stent placement and required repositioning or replacement of stents. Stenosis occurred in 13.8% of patients, which required endoscopic dilatation after stent removal. Stents may be useful and effective in managing complications after different bariatric procedures, including RYGB and LSG.

Background Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are a minimally invasive option for obesity treatment, acting as a space-occupying device and leading to weight loss through increased satiety. This device has been growing in popularity owing to its safety profile and good weight loss results. However, there are no published guidelines that standardize the technical aspects of the procedure. Objectives To create a practical guideline for intragastric balloon usage. Setting Private and Academic Settings, Brazil. Methods A consensus meeting was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in June 2016, bringing together 39 Brazilian endoscopists with extensive experience in IGBs from all regions of the country. Topics on patient selection, indications, contraindications, multidisciplinary follow-up, technique, and adverse events were discussed in the form of questions. After electronic voting, a consensus was defined when there was ≥70% agreement. Experts were also requested to provide data on their experience with IGBs. Results The selected experts discussed and reached a consensus on 76 questions, mainly concerning specific indications and contraindications for the procedure; technical details, such as patient preparation, minimum balloon-filling volume, techniques for implant and explant; patient follow-up and recommended medication for the adaptation period; and adverse event management. The overall Brazilian expert data encompassed 41,863 IGBs, with a mean percentage total weight loss of 18.4% ± 2.9%. The adverse event rate after the adaptation period was 2.5%, the most common being hyperinflation (.9%) and spontaneous deflation (.8%) of the device. The early removal rate due to intolerance was 2.2%. Conclusions The present consensus represents practical recommendations for performing IGB procedures and reflects Brazil's significant experience with this device. The experience of over 40,000 cases shows that the device leads to satisfactory weight loss with a low rate of adverse events.

Weight regain occurs in about 20% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Studies have reported that in most cases this regain is associated with dilatation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. To correct this dilatation, one of the methods used is the application of argon plasma coagulation (APC).The authors report the case of a 39-year-old woman submitted to RYGB who had weight regain. In the endoscopic evaluation, the patient presented with dilatation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, for which treatment with APC and an adjusted diet was proposed. After 3 sessions of APC, the patient presented with a reduction of the anastomosis diameter, weight loss, and increased satiety to food, with an increased gastric emptying time evidenced by scintigraphy.APC proved to be a safe and efficacious method.O reganho de peso após bypass gástrico em Y de Roux (RYGB) ocorre em cerca de 20% dos doentes. Estudos relatam que na maioria dos casos este reganho está associado a dilatação da anastomose gastrojejunal. Para corrigir esta dilatação um dos métodos utilizados é a apli-cação de árgon plasma (APC).Os autores relatam o caso de uma mulher de 39 anos de idade, submetida a RYGB, que apresentou reganho de peso. Na avaliação en-doscópica a doente apresentava dilatação da anastomose gastrojejunal sendo proposta a realização de APC e dieta ajustada. Após 3 sessões de APC, a doente apresentou redução do diâmetro da anastomose associada a perda de peso, aumento da saciedade alimentar e aumento do tempo de esvaziamento gástrico documentado em cintigrafia.O tratamento com APC mostrou ser um méto-do seguro e eficaz.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure. Despite its high efficacy, some patients regain part of their lost weight. Several endoscopic therapies have been introduced as alternatives to treat weight regain, but most of the articles are relatively small with unclear long-term data. To systematically assess the efficacy of endoscopic therapies for weight regain after RYGB. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, OVID, CINAHL/EBSCo, LILACS/Bireme, and gray literature. Primary outcomes were absolute weight loss (AWL), excess weight loss (EWL), and total body weight loss (TBWL). Thirty-two studies were included in qualitative analysis. Twenty-six described full-thickness (FT) endoscopic suturing and pooled AWL, EWL, and TBWL at 3 months were 8.5 ± 2.9 kg, 21.6 ± 9.3%, and 7.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. At 6 months, they were 8.6 ± 3.5 kg, 23.7 ± 12.3%, and 8.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. At 12 months, they were 7.63 ± 4.3 kg, 16.9 ± 11.1%, and 6.6 ± 5.0%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that all outcomes were significantly higher in the group with FT suturing combined with argon plasma coagulation (APC) (p