#United States #Baltimore #weight loss #MedStar Health #endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

MedStar Health Introduces Nonsurgical Weight-Loss Procedure

In a significant stride against obesity, MedStar Health has unveiled its latest treatment option for individuals struggling with weight management—endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). This minimally invasive procedure provides patients who either prefer not to undergo traditional bariatric surgery or may not qualify for it a new avenue for effective weight loss.

A Pioneering Approach

Performed for the first time at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, ESG is designed to reduce stomach size without the need for surgical incisions. Dr. Christopher You, a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon, successfully executed the first procedure on August 21, allowing the patient to return home the same day, a testament to the procedure’s safety and efficiency.

During the roughly 90-minute operation, conducted under mild sedation, Dr. You utilizes a flexible tube equipped with a miniature camera, inserted through the patient's mouth and into the stomach. Special sutures are employed to reshape the stomach into a smaller, tubular form—achieving similar weight-loss results to traditional surgery without any external cuts or visible scarring. Notably, unlike conventional weight-loss surgery, no part of the stomach is removed, further enhancing the procedure's appeal.

Addressing Global Obesity

With more than one billion people globally affected by obesity, as reported by the World Obesity Foundation, ESG aims to provide a much-needed solution. Obesity is associated with a range of severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. While bariatric surgery remains a viable option for many, there are those who either do not wish to pursue surgical routes or do not meet the candidate criteria. ESG thus bridges this treatment gap, bringing innovative weight-loss management closer to those in need.

"Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty offers us another critical tool in the fight against obesity," states Dr. You. "It allows those selected patients to experience significant weight loss without the necessity for incisions or scars, making it a less invasive alternative. This approach helps patients feel full sooner and consume less food."

Personalizing Healthcare Solutions

Dr. You emphasizes the complexity of obesity as a chronic disease, indicating that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The introduction of ESG expands the range of evidence-backed options available, enabling tailored treatment plans geared towards the individual’s specific health situation, goals, and preferences.

A study published in the esteemed journal The Lancet reveals that patients who underwent ESG lost an average of 14% of their body weight within a year and managed to maintain their weight loss for up to two years. In stark contrast, patients relying solely on diet and exercise witnessed minimal weight loss.

Before undergoing ESG, potential candidates must participate in a thorough evaluation to assess their suitability for the procedure. Complementary to the treatment, patients also receive nutritional counseling and ongoing lifestyle support, ensuring holistic care.

MedStar Franklin Square's Center for Bariatric Surgery enjoys accreditation from the MBSAQIP®, signifying adherence to national quality and safety standards in bariatric practice. This new initiative underscores MedStar Health's commitment to innovative healthcare solutions and its dedication to improving the quality of life within the Baltimore community.

For those seeking a solution to obesity, ESG presents a promising alternative, blending advanced medical technology with personalized care, ultimately fostering healthier lives.

For more detailed information about the ESG procedure, visit the MedStar Health website.