Obesity increases risk of cancer and arthritis! No results in weight loss? Endoscopic sleeve suture gastric reduction surgery

Modern people are under too much work pressure and lack the time and perseverance to exercise. Coupled with the convenience of fast food and a high-fat, low-fiber diet, the number of obese people in the world is increasing. This can be described as global obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly defined obesity as a chronic, recurrent pathological phenomenon. It is not only a problem of appearance, but is also closely related to the occurrence of systemic diseases, including: malignant tumors, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, kidney disease, fatty liver leading to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, degenerative arthritis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression.

According to statistics from our Ministry of Health and Welfare, more than half of the Taiwanese population is obese, much higher than other East Asian countries. Taiwan has not only entered an aging society but has also become an obese nation. Therefore, we must face this problem seriously and receive preventive treatment before obesity-related diseases occur.

The most common health effects of obesity

Arthritis

Three highs (hypertension/diabetes/hyperlipidemia)

Fatty liver, hepatitis

 Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Cancer

Endoscopic sleeve suture gastric reduction

Obesity control focuses on adjusting lifestyle and eating habits and exercising regularly, but the effect is usually only able to reduce total body weight by 5-10%. For patients with uncontrollable obesity, it is recommended to consider weight loss drugs (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1) and surgical gastrectomy or bypass surgery. However, the side effects and complications of weight loss drugs and surgical procedures may also affect weight loss results and quality of life.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel endoscopic weight loss technique.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a novel endoscopic weight loss technique. Under general anesthesia, a gastroscope equipped with an "endoscopic suturing system" is used to enter the stomach through the mouth and fold the stomach like a purse and suture it up (picture). Unlike surgical bariatric surgery, it does not require the removal of gastric glands, but can achieve a reduction in stomach volume to reduce appetite and food intake, thereby reducing total body weight by approximately 10-20%. Randomized studies in recent years have also found that using ESG technology as the first-line weight loss treatment is far more effective in controlling weight and metabolic diseases than simply adjusting lifestyle, and it reduces the incidence of postoperative complications and gastroesophageal reflux, greatly improving the quality of life.

Currently, health insurance does not cover this minimally invasive endoscopic weight loss surgery, which requires hospitalization for approximately 2-3 days. In addition, not all obese patients are suitable for this treatment. Those with the following medical histories need to discuss with a professional gastrointestinal endoscopist, such as: previous gastric surgery, severe gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, esophageal varices, upper gastrointestinal structural abnormalities, hiatal hernia, gastric tumors, Crohn's disease, cirrhosis, abnormal coagulation function, alcohol addiction, drug abuse, mental illness, and a history of allergy to hydrogen ion pump blockers. All of these must be carefully evaluated. It is recommended that you seek a professional weight loss team to tailor your assessment and choose the best weight loss method for you.

Endoscopic sleeve suture gastrectomy is commonly used in the following situations

 Obese patients with BMI > 27 kg/m2 plus one or more metabolic diseases, or BMI > 30 kg/m2

 Treatment of weight regain after surgical weight loss surgery

 Severely obese patients have a higher risk of surgical operation

Changes after endoscopic sleeve suture gastrectomy

 Gastric volume decreases (70% reduction)

 Prolonged gastric emptying time of solid food (prolonged feeling of fullness)

in conclusion

Endoscopic weight loss surgery can provide you with no wounds on your body surface, fast recovery after surgery, short hospital stay, and effective weight loss and metabolic disease control. It can be one of the best options for you to control your weight.