Endoscopic interventions for weight loss surgery

In this paper we review the state-of-the-art in endoscopic interventions for obesity treatment and make best practice recommendations for weight loss surgery (WLS). We performed a systematic search of English-language literature published between April 2004 and June 2008 in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library on WLS and endoscopic interventions, endoscopically placed devices, minimally invasive surgery, image-guided surgery, endoluminal surgery, endoscopic instrumentation, interventional gastroenterology, transluminal surgery, and natural orifice transluminal surgery. We also searched the literature on endoscopic interventions and WLS and patient safety. We identified 36 pertinent articles, all of which were reviewed in detail; assessed the current science in endoscopic interventions for WLS; and made best practice recommendations based on the latest available evidence. Our findings indicate that endoscopic interventions and endoscopically placed devices may provide valuable approaches to the management of WLS complications and the primary management of obesity. Given the rapid changes in endoscopic technologies and techniques, systematic literature review is required to address issues related to the emerging role of endoluminal surgery in the treatment of obesity. These interventions should be a high priority for development and investigation.