Good news for ESG candidates

New guidelines have been published for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. This is good news for patients considering non-invasive weight loss treatment.

What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, ESG or endosleeve, is a minimally invasive procedure that decreases the size of the stomach by around 50% through an endoscopy. The procedure is performed using permanent sutures, however, can technically be reversed, as the stomach is not cut or removed.

The ESG is a self-funded (not rebated by private health) treatment suitable for patients who do not qualify for, or do not want weight loss surgery. Because it is endoscopic, patients usually go home within 24 hours.

What are the new guidelines?

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has drafted guidance that supports the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG or endosleeve treatment) as a safe procedure in the short and long term for patients with a BMI greater than 30.  As with all procedures, supported lifestyle change and clinical follow up is an important part of strong clinical outcomes.

Clinical data via The Lancet demonstrates that 13.6% mean total body weight loss occurred for the ESG group at 52 weeks, compared to 0.8% for the control group. Excess weight loss (EWL) was 49.2% for the ESG group and 3.2% for the control group. At 104 weeks, 68% of the participants maintained 25% or more of EWL.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend that the procedure is carried out in specialist centres by a clinician with specific experience and training in the procedure, and on patients selected by a multidisciplinary team that is experienced in managing obesity.

ESG treatment with Dr George Balalis

Earlier this year I travelled overseas to continue to further develop my endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty technique. This helps to ensure that I can provide the best outcomes for my patients possible.

As the only surgeon in Australia performing this procedure, it is great to see that guidelines are supporting clinical implementation, and I hope that Australian guidelines will soon follow. I believe it is important to provide evidence-based, safe, and effective treatments for patients.

If you think that endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) might be the right solution for you, the best thing to do would be to come and have a chat to myself and the multidisciplinary team at Dr George Balalis to discuss your individual needs.

Every body is different, and if ESG is not the right option for you, we offer a range of other surgical and non-surgical treatments to support your weight loss journey.

Find out more about ESG here.