~Treating obesity for those with limited options~

Global Hospitals, a multi super specialty tertiary care hospital has successfully performed first of its kind, non-invasive procedure on a 45-year-old who was almost 30 kilos overweight as per the body mass index count. This process involves reduction in the size of stomach using an endoscopic suturing device.

The Food and Drug administrative (FDA) has approved the use of a device commonly termed as ‘over stitch’ which is meant for suture perforation. This procedure is intended to facilitate weight loss in obese and adult patients. The outpatient procedure usually takes less time, also the recovery time is less since there’s no incision involved, in most of the cases the patients are discharged on the same day. The device does not alter the stomach’s natural anatomy in any way, however; patients are advised to follow medically supervised diet and exercises in future.

Obesity continues to be a challenge in all parts of the world, an epidemic which is spreading with an immense pace. While this procedure does not guarantee to replace the conventional method, however; it can be treated as an option while discussing to perform it on the patient. When examining the cost, it was observed that endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is comparatively cheaper which could cost nearly 2 lakhs (where the device itself costs 1.5 lakhs) than bariatric surgery.

Commenting on this, Dr Amit Maydeo, Gastroenterologist, Global Hospitals, says, “There’s a gap between overweight and obese people. Owing to the expenditure and post surgery maintenance, almost 80 percent people don’t go for the bariatric surgery, for them, this new procedure is a good option. This procedure is primarily performed through an oral cavity procedure, rather than through the abdomen like in the case of bariatric surgeries.”

Mr Manpreet Singh Sohal, Regional CEO, Global Hospitals, commented, “We’re the first Hospital in India to perform this treatment, demonstrates that it’s absolutely safe and effective to the patients in order to lead a healthier life. Earlier, patients seeking weight loss interventions had a very limited choice to make which has now widened through our research. It’s involves no incision and easier for our patients to achieve their health goals.”