Increasing number of cases of obese patients requiring more advanced means of treatment reflects the increasing rate of overweight and obesity among the youth. This has sparked off great interest in bringing out uncomplicated, up-to-the-minute, safe, nonsurgical techniques for weight loss.

Last few years have witnessed the approval of several new endoscopic approaches for the treatment of obesity. These latest procedures offer imperative options for patients who want support in losing weight and keeping it away. Endoscopic procedures lie somewhere in between the medication based treatment and the surgical treatment because they provide better weight loss that too without side-effects which are generally experienced with medications, but they call for less introduction of surgical instruments and other devices into the body cavity than surgical options.

Endoscopic procedures give the advantage of fast and easy recovery. Moreover, endoscopic procedures present less uneasiness, no scars on the abdomen, and allow more rapid return to regular everyday activities in comparison to conventional surgical procedures. Some people with lower Body Mass Index (BMI) who would not otherwise meet the criteria for bariatric surgery have the option of endoscopic treatment for losing weight. As a result, these approaches with a broad-spectrum are of immense help to a large number of people struggling with obesity.

Many endoscopic approaches are reversible. They may take effect as a catalyst to help patients with their initial weight loss and help make it easier for them to carry on forward with a more healthy way of life.

Endoscopic procedures are carried out by progressing narrow, flexible instruments through the mouth into the stomach. Along with the precise instruments used to make incisions or place stitches, endoscopic instruments comprise of a tiny video camera for visualization and magnification of the concerned areas.

Intragastric balloon is a reversible approach towards weight loss. In this technique, a narrow tube is inserted through the mouth and advanced into the stomach. A tiny instrument that carries a balloon device is passed through the tube and, this balloon is delivered into the stomach. It is then inflated by pumping about 24-36 ounces of fluid into it. The inflated balloon takes up space in the stomach and, thus, helps in decreasing appetite. The patient feels satiated and eats less frequently and, in smaller proportions.

Endoscopic suturing is performed by inserting a narrow tube fitted with a video camera into the stomach through the oral route. Once this apparatus reaches the stomach, tiny instruments are inserted through the tube. This assists in suturing the stomach from within without making any external incisions. Advantages of endoscopic suturing include:

The Metro Center for Gastroenterology and Gastro-Surgery is enthusiastically dedicated in evolving and improving endoscopic approaches and making them clinically useful for our patients.