Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and one that, without intervention, will certainly snowball in the coming decades. Unhealthy diets are exacerbated by other harmful behaviors, including chronic lack of physical activity. The more weight, the less people move and unhealthier they become. The costs to society will inevitably skyrocket.
To combat this, the medical world has found various methods to help patients to reduce their hunger cravings. Among these are an ever-evolving arsenal of endoluminal bariatric procedures. Endoscopic methods have numerous benefits over traditional surgical techniques. First and foremost: without making incisions through the body, you decrease the risk, cost, and complications. In addition, less anesthesia is used, and the recovery time is significantly reduced.
The most popular of these is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, where the endoscopist uses sutures to reshape and reduce the size of the stomach. Primary Obesity Surgery Endoluminal (POSE) is a suturing system in which plications are formed in the gastric fundus and body, which reduces the size of the stomach and delays gastric emptying.
Other new techniques include aspiration therapy, gas- or liquid-filled intragastric balloons, intragastric Botox injection, transpyloric shuttle, partial jejunal diversion, duodenal mucosa resurfacing, and (gastro-)duodenal-jejunal bypass liners. Robotic endoscopic suturing is another potentially game-changing technology that could significantly increase the range of patients that qualify for endoscopic bariatric procedures.
Fighting the ‘silver bullet’ mentality
No bariatric medical treatment is a lasting cure. While endoscopic procedures do facilitate weight loss, their success hinges on the patient’s commitment to developing a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, cravings for sugar, salt and fat are as enduring as other addictions, such as to drugs, nicotine, or alcohol. Therefore, extensive pre- and post-operative guidance is paramount.
Practice, practice, practice
Advancement naturally means new skills to perfect, new products to master. Training is key. For endoscopists themselves, but also for the team members assisting them. This can occur in a no-nonsense office setting, like the private practice session of POSE skills of Dr Jérôme Dargent, of Polyclinique de Rilleux, Lyon-Nord, France, or as part of a more substantial event such as the large masterclass for over 50 international medical professionals given by Dr. Ivo Boškoski at the Gemelli Hospital in Italy.
Curious how Medical Training Tools could facilitate training at your hospital or university? Drop us a line or give us a call and we can discuss the possibilities!
Contact us for more information about our products and training.
"*" indicates required fields