Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, or ESG, is an incisionless weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by 70-80% during a brief, same-day endoscopic procedure. ESG is performed with the Apollo Overstitch suturing device, which allows the physician to place "full-thickness" sutures from within, avoiding any external incisions or cutting.
The major advantage of ESG over traditional bariatric surgery is safety and recovery. When performed correctly, ESG has a very low complication rate -- less than 2% in published studies, and even lower at high volume centers. However, safety is not a guarantee, and hinges on proper procedural technique.
In this video, Dr. Christopher McGowan, MD, MSCR, AGAF of True You Weight Loss discusses the technical aspects of performing a safe and effective ESG procedure. Specifically, management of the HELIX device is critical. Dr. McGowan discusses the importance of always confirming the following 3 characteristics prior to passing the needle through the gastric wall:
1. The gastric tissue should PULL EASILY and freely toward the scope
2. The tissue should TENT when the helix is pulled back
3. The tissue should SWIRL around the helix
If all three aspects are present, it is very unlikely the helix has captured extra-gastric structures. The result: a safe, and effective, procedure.
For more information on ESG, visit trueyuouweightloss.com
