What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)? How is ESG Applied?
What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
It is a non-surgical, safe and effective weight loss method.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical method used in the treatment of obesity. In this procedure, the stomach volume is reduced by 70–80% by stitching the stomach from the inside using a special endoscope and suturing device. The reduction of the stomach allows you to feel full with less food, thus resulting in weight loss. The stomach is not cut or removed during the procedure; therefore, body integrity is preserved and no external scars are left. ESG can lead to long-term, permanent weight loss when supported by a healthy diet and exercise.
In Which Diseases Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Used?
ESG may be a suitable option in the following cases:
- People whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 and above
- People who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise or maintain their weight loss
- People who do not prefer bariatric surgery due to the risks and complications that come with it
- People who prefer a less invasive (incision-free) method
- People who regain weight after bariatric surgery (for revision purposes)
- Patients who are at risk for surgery
Before the procedure, patients are usually evaluated by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a dietitian, psychologist, endocrinologist and internal medicine specialist.
How is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Performed?
Endoscopic stomach reduction is performed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped hospital. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes and the following steps are followed:
- With the help of an endoscope, 6–8 special stitches are placed in the stomach.
- The stomach reduced from the inside and takes on a sleeve shape.
- No incision is performed, and no external scars are left.
- Most patients can be discharged the same day, but some patients may be kept under observation for 1 night.
- After the procedure, patients usually return to their daily lives within 2–3 days.
Why is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Performed? Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is performed to achieve weight loss and reduce serious health risks associated with obesity, such as cardiov
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is performed to achieve weight loss and reduce serious health risks associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and fatty liver. With weight loss, there is a significant improvement in overall health and quality of life.
Post-Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Process
Recovery after Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is generally quick and comfortable. Most patients can return to work and daily life within a few days. However, the nutrition process must proceed gradually so that the body can adapt to the new stomach volume. This period is very important for the success of the procedure and permanent weight loss.
Nutrition plan:
- First 2 weeks: Liquid foods
The aim during this period is to allow the internal stitches of the stomach to heal and not to strain the digestive system.
- 3rd - 4th weeks: Purees and soft foods
As the stomach becomes accustomed to liquids, it is possible to switch to more dense and nutritious foods.
- From the 1st month onwards: Transition to normal nutrition with small portions
From the first month onwards, normal nutrition can be started with small portions. The stomach can now tolerate more solid foods, but new eating habits need to be made permanent. Establishing healthy eating habits at this stage is the key to permanent weight loss.
Expected Results with Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
After the ESG procedure, you will feel full more quickly with smaller portions. This helps develop healthier eating habits in the future and ensures lasting results.
According to clinical studies:
- Patients lose 15–20% of their body weight in the first year.
- Significant improvement is seen in obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep apnea and fatty liver.
- Quality of life increases, heart and joint health is maintained.
- The rate of serious side effects is quite low.
What are the advantages of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
- Non-surgical, minimally invasive method
- No incisions and scars
- Fast recovery (return to daily life within 2-3 days)
- Reversible procedure
- The stomach is not incised, the organs are preserved
- The procedure can be reversed when necessary
- It does not prevent other bariatric surgery options in the future
- Average 15-20% permanent weight loss
- Significant improvement in obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension
- Low complication rate
What are the benefits of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
Weight loss also leads to improvement in many obesity-related health problems:
- It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
- High blood pressure and cholesterol are controlled
- Sleep apnea decreases
- Fatty liver regresses
- Type 2 diabetes is taken under control
- Joint health is maintained
- Quality of life increases
What are the differences between Endoscopic Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Sleeve surgery?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and gastric sleeve surgery are both effective methods aimed at weight loss, but there are significant differences between them in terms of application method, recovery process and reversibility.
A gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is cut and removed and permanently reduced in size. ESG is an endoscopic, i.e. non-surgical, method. In this procedure, the volume is reduced by placing special stitches on the stomach, no incisions are made and no external scars are left.
Since the stomach is cut and removed in gastric sleeve surgery, the procedure is irreversible. In ESG, the organ is completely preserved; it can be reversible or reshaped if necessary because it is only reduced with stitches. This feature makes ESG a less invasive and organ-preserving option.
There is a risk of leakage in gastric sleeve surgery. In the endoscopic method, this risk is minimal. The recovery period after gastric sleeve surgery is long. In the endoscopic method, the recovery period is short and it is possible to return to daily life within 2-3 days. Both methods provide significant weight loss. In gastric sleeve surgery, 25–30% of body weight is usually lost, while in ESG, 15–20% is lost. ESG is an effective alternative, especially for patients who want a less invasive method or are not suitable for surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) permanent?
Permanent stitches are placed in the stomach, but the procedure can be reversed if necessary.
How much weight can be lost with Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
Patients lose 15–20% of their body weight in the first year.
Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) a surgery? Does it leave a scar?
No. ESG is a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure and does not leave an external scar.
Does it have any side effects?
Complaints such as nausea, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea may occur. These are usually temporary.
What is the difference between Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and Gastric sleeve?
The stomach reduced by incision in Gastric Sleeve. In Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), the stomach is not removed, it is only narrowed with stitches.
How long is the recovery time after ESG?
Most patients return to their daily life within 2-3 days.
Is ESG safe?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a safe, effective and modern treatment for those who want to lose weight without the risks of surgery. ESG is a powerful option to reduce obesity-related health risks, achieve permanent weight loss, and improve quality of life. Clinical studies show that ESG is a low-risk and a safe procedure. The rate of serious complication is only 1-2%. You can consult our specialist physicians to find out if it is suitable for you.