Endoscopic treatment of obesity and complications after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Prevalence and incidence of obesity in the population has been increasing for decades. Due to associated comorbidities, treatment of obesity has become a global health topic and should be addressed with multimodal strategies. As conservative treatment has high rates of failure, bariatric surgery is often performed, especially in cases of severe obesity. However, interventional endoscopic options are gaining importance as less invasive approach. Intragastric balloons and duodenojejunal bypass liners are the most frequent applied endoscopic therapies. Besides primary bariatric intervention, endoscopy may also help bridging towards surgery. Management of postsurgical adverse events (e.g. leakage, stenosis) can be handled endoscopically as well. This article summarizes current knowledge and available endoscopic treatment options for obesity.