Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 90 Patients in Colombia

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that reduces stomach volume and length using an endoscope suturing device, creating a sleeve-like shape to limit food intake and promote weight loss. ESG has been proven to be more effective in promoting weight loss than dietary and lifestyle changes, with a low incidence of complications. In Colombia, data regarding the effectiveness and safety of this procedure are lacking.

This descriptive, retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent ESG between January 2022 and July 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were descriptively analyzed. Changes in weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and percentage of Total Body Weight Loss (%TBWL) at 1, 3, and 6 months were assessed.

Ninety patients were included in this study. The median baseline weight was 85.5 kg, and the median BMI was 33 kg/m². Weight reduction was observed after 3 and 6 months, with weights of 73 kg and 69.5 kg, respectively (p < 0.001). %TBWL increased to 8.3%, 15.5%, and 20.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.001). BMI decreased to 27.4 kg/m² at the third month and 25.9 kg/m² in the sixth month, respectively (p < 0.001). Complications were mostly minor, occurring within the first month of follow-up, and included abdominal pain (21.1%), nausea (28.9%), vomiting (14.4%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation (10%). Gastrointestinal bleeding (3.3%) was less common.

ESG is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for obesity. This study showed significant BMI and %TBWL reduction at the 3- and 6-months post-procedure follow-ups, with a low incidence of minor complications.