Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital has introduced a new non-surgical weight loss procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), offering patients an alternative to traditional bariatric surgery. The procedure involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth to reduce the stomach's size by about 70%, without incisions.
How ESG works
During ESG, surgeons use sutures to create a sleeve-like shape in the stomach, limiting food intake and promoting quicker satiety. The procedure takes approximately one hour, and patients typically return home the same day. Recovery time is shorter compared to conventional surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week.
Benefits and risks
ESG is less invasive than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, reducing risks of infection and scarring. However, it may result in less weight loss on average, and patients must commit to lifestyle changes. Common side effects include nausea and abdominal discomfort, which usually resolve within days.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a bariatric surgeon at the hospital, stated, "ESG fills a gap for patients who are not candidates for or prefer to avoid surgery. It's a safe, effective option with growing evidence." The hospital plans to perform up to 100 procedures annually, with eligibility criteria similar to other weight loss interventions, including a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher with related health conditions.
Alberta Health Services covers the procedure for qualifying patients, and the hospital is working to reduce wait times. This addition expands weight management services in the region, addressing the growing demand for obesity treatments.
