Endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin in the gastric antrum for the treatment of obesity. Results of a pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of endoscopic injections of botulinum toxin (BT) in the gastric antrum on body weight and gastric emptying in obese patients.

Patients and methods: Obese patients were selected for the study. By endoscopy, 100 U of BT type A was injected into the prepyloric antral gastric wall. Before and after treatment body weight and solid gastric emptying were evaluated.

Results: Twelve patients were included into this study. Four and twelve weeks after the treatment median values of body weight and gastric emptying did not show significant changes compared to baseline values: body weight: (- 0.5 kg and - 1.0 kg respectively, P > 0.05) and gastric retention for solids at 90 min (+ 4.5% and +10.5% respectively, P > 0.05). Abnormal gastric emptying (solid gastric retention at 90 min > 50%) was observed in 22% of patients after 4 weeks and in 25% after 12 weeks.

Conclusions: BT injected into the gastric antrum does not seem to significantly reduce body weight or delay gastric emptying in obese patients.