Spanish Consensus Document on Bariatric Endoscopy. Part 1. General considerations

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Endoscopy
• Obesity Management
• Metabolic Disease

Background:

• Obesity is a complex, chronic, progressive disease with severe health consequences.
• Current treatments like diet, lifestyle changes, and bariatric surgery have limitations and risks.
• A need exists for supplementary, less invasive obesity treatment strategies.

Framework:

• Endoscopic bariatric treatments are proposed as a supplementary strategy for specific patient cohorts.
• These treatments are suitable for patients with grade-II overweight or non-morbid obesity unresponsive to medical therapy.
• Endoscopic interventions are also indicated for morbidly obese patients who reject or are contraindicated for surgery, and for superobese patients awaiting bariatric surgery.

Implementation:

• Requires multidisciplinary units with specialized human and structural resources.
• Guidance is provided by the Spanish Task Force on Bariatric Endoscopy (GETTEMO).
• Focuses on establishing minimum requirements for bariatric endoscopy units.

Implications:

• Offers a less invasive, lower-complication alternative to traditional obesity treatments.
• Expands treatment options for diverse obesity classifications, including pre-bariatric surgery weight loss.
• Aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with obesity and its treatments.