Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): Safe and Effective Weight Loss

Obesity is one of the most significant health issues today. It lowers quality of life and can cause type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. At Acıbadem Healthcare Group, we support our patients in taking steps toward healthier lives with modern, minimally invasive approaches to obesity treatment. One of these approaches is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG).

What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive method for reducing stomach volume. It eliminates the need for surgical intervention. Developed as an alternative to gastric sleeve surgery, this procedure enters the stomach through the mouth. A special suturing system, such as Apollo OverStitch™, is then used. The stomach is narrowed into a tube shape, reducing its volume by about 70–80 percent. This reduction allows a person to feel full faster with less food consumption. Weight loss is achieved by slowing the time the stomach takes to empty its contents.

Who is it suitable for?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a highly effective option for certain patient groups.

• BMI criteria: Generally, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher. Individuals with a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² and obesity-related diseases may qualify. Conditions include diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver. ESG is highly effective for class I–II obesity, and for class III patients unsuitable for bariatric surgery.
• Those who have failed conservative methods: Patients who have been unable to achieve weight loss. Patients continue to struggle with weight loss despite following diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
• Patients at high surgical risk: Individuals unsuitable for bariatric surgery because of comorbidities, age, anesthesia. ESG offers an alternative for patients rejecting traditional surgery due to complications, invasiveness, recovery time.
• Revision Cases: Patients previously undergoing bariatric surgery, like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, regained weight. They require a less invasive secondary intervention to achieve sustained weight loss effectively and safely.

Target Populations:

• Women planning a pregnancy: Provides a safe method to lower BMI below 30 before IVF.
• Individuals with metabolic disorders: Patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia can benefit. Even modest weight loss can significantly improve obstructive sleep apnea and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Weight reduction enhances overall metabolic health and reduces risk of associated complications.
• Young patients: This method suits young individuals preferring weight loss without permanent anatomical changes. It is organ-preserving, reversible, and provides a less invasive approach to obesity management.
• Those Wanting a Quick Recovery: It allows same-day discharge and two to three days’ recovery. This advantage helps patients quickly return to daily routines and professional responsibilities.

Benefits of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) offers several significant advantages over traditional bariatric surgeries.

• Non-surgical intervention: It doesn’t require incisions or stitches, and it’s performed endoscopically through the mouth.
• Short recovery time: Patients are usually discharged the same day and resume normal activities quickly.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Compared to surgery, the risk of infection, bleeding, and organ injury is low. Reported complication rate for this procedure is only 0.8%, highlighting its safety.
• Stomach Preserved: The stomach isn’t completely removed, allowing the anatomical structure to remain largely intact.
• Reversible and Revisable: The procedure can be reversed or revised if necessary.
• Long-Term Weight Loss: With lifestyle changes, the procedure enables sustainable, meaningful weight reduction. Patients can achieve an average total body weight loss of 15–20% within one year.
• Improves metabolic diseases: It effectively controls obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
• Aesthetic Benefits: It leaves no visible scar.

How is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Performed?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a procedure that usually takes 60–90 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. The steps of the procedure are as follows:

1. Preparation: The patient is anesthetized and must fast for a certain period before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
2. Endoscopy insertion: A thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. The endoscope has a special suturing device integrated into it.
3. Gastric Suturing: With the help of the endoscope, a series of sutures is placed inside the stomach, usually forming a U shape. The sutures bring the front and back walls of the stomach together, transforming it into a tube and reducing its volume.
4. Completion of the Procedure: After the sutures are placed, the endoscope is removed.
5. Recovery: Patients are monitored for a few hours, and most are discharged on the same day. Patients follow a liquid diet for the first few days and gradually progress to solid foods.

Why Choose ACIBADEM for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

At Acıbadem Healthcare Group, we provide innovative obesity treatments using the latest technology. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is performed by our experienced team of physicians. Our specialist gastroenterology and obesity surgery teams plan individualized treatment for each patient. They provide comprehensive support and guidance regarding lifestyle changes to ensure long-term success. We are by your side as a reliable partner on your health journey.

The Acıbadem Healthcare Group offers world-class Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty services in Turkiye and Istanbul. We provide easy access and support for international patients seeking these advanced treatments.

Contact Us for Detailed Information

To obtain detailed Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty cost information, a personalized assessment is required. Your specific needs and health condition must be evaluated to determine the exact price. The Acıbadem Healthcare Group follows a transparent and clear pricing policy for all treatments. We recommend contacting our experts to determine the most suitable plan and exact cost. For pricing information or other questions, please use the “Live Support” section on our website.

Take a step towards a healthy future with the expert staff and modern treatment methods of Acıbadem Healthcare Group. We are here to support you in your fight against obesity with our customized solutions.

FAQ

1. What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?

ESG is a non-surgical procedure that reshapes the stomach to reduce its size and volume.A special endoscopic suturing device is inserted through the mouth to form a tube-shaped stomach.This helps patients feel full with less food, supporting sustainable weight loss.

2. How much weight can I lose with ESG?

Patients typically lose 20% of total body weight within the first year. Results vary depending on age, metabolism, and adherence to post-procedure dietary guidelines.

3. How long does the ESG procedure take?

The procedure usually lasts 60–90 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. Most patients can go home the same day after brief monitoring.

4. How long is the recovery after ESG?

Recovery is generally quick, with most patients resuming normal activities in 2–3 days.Patients follow a liquid diet initially and gradually progress to solid foods.