Endoscopic therapy of weight regain after bariatric surgery

World J Gastrointest Surg. 2021 Dec 27;13(12):1584-1596. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i12.1584.

Abstract

Weight regain following primary bariatric surgery occurs in a significant proportion of patients and is attributed to epidemiological, anatomical and metabolic factors. Surgical revision of these patients has significant risks and limited benefits. Endoscopic revisions that reduce gastric pouch size and diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis may offer an effective, safe, less invasive and even reproducible treatment. We herein discuss the indication, selection and feasibility of different endoscopic techniques that could be used in the management of weight regain following primary bariatric surgery. Future research could optimize a personalized approach not only in the endoscopic management but also in combination with other therapeutic modalities for weight regain after bariatric surgery.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty; Full thickness suturing; Morbid obesity; Transoral outlet reduction; Weight regain.

Publication types

  • Review