In this episode, the Surgical Endoscopy team, accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dunkin of Boston Scientific, review primary and revisional endoscopic treatment options for bariatric patients. They focus on the emerging data available for procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and endoscopic gastrojejunal revision (EGJR) and offer technical tips on how to perform the procedures. In addition, they discuss accessibility challenges for patients and provide insight into the future direction of bariatric endoscopy as a field. 

Hosts:

·      Dr. Sullivan “Sully” Ayuso, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL), @SAyusoMD (Twitter)

·      Dr. Trevor Crafts, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center (Denver, CO), @CraftsTrevor (Twitter) 

·      Dr. H. Masson Hedberg, Minimally Invasive Surgeon, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL)

·      Dr. Michael Ujiki, Professor and Louis Biegler Chair of Surgery, Endeavor Health (Evanston, IL), @UjikiMike

·      Dr. Brian Dunkin, Chief Medical Officer at Boston Scientific, @briandunkinmd

Learning Objectives: 

-       Identify and Describe Common Endobariatric Procedures: Learners will be able to name and briefly describe at least three common endobariatric procedures discussed in the episode, including Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), Endoscopic GJ Revisions (Transoral Outlet Reduction - TORR/EGJR), and Intragastric Balloons, along with their historical context and evolution.

-       Explain the Mechanism and Benefits of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): Learners will be able to articulate the procedural technique of ESG, including the U-shaped suture pattern, its impact on gastric volume reduction, and the proposed mechanisms of weight loss, such as slowed gastric emptying and hormonal changes, as compared to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

-       Discuss the Role of Technology and Training in Endobariatrics: Learners will be able to explain the significance of endoscopic suturing devices like the Overstitch in the advancement of endobariatric procedures and recognize the importance of specialized training, including the recommendations against fundal suturing for safety during the initial learning curve.

-       Compare and Contrast Endobariatric Procedures with Surgical and Pharmacological Obesity Treatments: Learners will be able to discuss the position of endobariatric procedures as a "gap therapy" in the spectrum of obesity treatments, highlighting their benefits such as reduced invasiveness, lower complication rates, faster recovery, and increased patient access compared to surgery, as well as their potential role in conjunction with pharmacologic therapies like GLP-1 agonists.

-       Recognize Key Considerations and Potential Complications of Endobariatric Procedures: Learners will be able to identify important technical considerations during ESG, such as achieving full-thickness bites while avoiding injury to adjacent organs, and describe common post-procedure issues associated with intragastric balloons, including nausea, vomiting, and the need for general anesthesia during removal.

Discontinuation and Reinitiation of Dual-Labeled GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults With Overweight or Obesity: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39888616/

** VIDEO LINK: https://app.behindtheknife.org/video/surgical-endoscopy-series-ep-2-endobariatrics

Surgical Endoscopy Series Ep. 1: An Introduction to Surgical Endoscopy: https://app.behindtheknife.org/podcast/surgical-endoscopy-series-ep-1-an-introduction-to-surgical-endoscopy

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