Evaluation of Endoscopic Bariatric Treatments: Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon Placement and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (Apollo method). Efficacy and Safety 1 Year Follow-Up

Aims Endoscopic intragastric balloon placement (EIB) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) using the Apollo method are two effective techniques for weight loss in patients with obesity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of both endoscopic bariatric techniques

Methods We conducted a one-center, descriptive, retrospective analysis of patients who underwent EIB (6 months) and ESG between 2016 and 2023, with a 1 year follow-up. All patients followed the protocols of our multidisciplinary Obesity Unit. We assessed clinical, anthropometric, and analytical parameters, as well as safety. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis to determine predictive variables for total percentage weight loss (% TWL)

Results A total of 103 patients were analyzed (39 EIB, 64 ESG). No significant differences were found regarding age, gender, or comorbidities (hypertension, type 2, diabetes, dyslipidemia, severe obstructive sleep apnea, and presence and degree of steatosis). Significant differences were observed between the EIB and ESG groups in terms of: BMI 35.7 (SD 4.14) vs. 38.4 (SD 4.8), p=0.005; obesity grade: 41% type I vs. 54.7% type II, p=0.010; and completed endocrinology/nutrition of medical appointment scheduling, 66% vs. 82%, p=0.000. There was a significant improvement in the lipid profile in the EIB group and in the glycemic profile in the ESG group after one year. All patients achieved remission of pre-diabetes after one year. The predictive variables for% TWL at one year included gender, initial BMI, and type of treatment. Significant differences in% TWL,% EWL, and BMI at one year in the Apollo group. Eight cases in the EIB group experienced early removal (mean 52 days), while one ESG case presented hematemesis and another with abdominal abscess [1] [2] [3].

Conclusions Both EIB and ESG are safe and effective techniques, the ESG group demonstrated a more significant weight loss at one year. Both techniques improve glycemic and lipid profiles, considering as therapeutic alternatives for patients with obesity and other metabolic comorbidities

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025

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