New 90-minute weight loss procedure deemed ‘safe and effective’ for NHS use
A 90-minute procedure that reduces the size of the stomach without the need for surgery is being given the go-ahead by the NHS in England.
Known as Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), or the "accordion procedure", the non-surgical treatment reduces the size of the stomach and has been deemed "safe and effective" for use on obese patients.
The ESG procedure involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera and medical instruments into the patient's stomach via their mouth. The stomach wall is then folded and stitched to create a tube-like sleeve, causing patients to feel full more quickly. Patients are usually able to go home on the same day after the treatment, and it is reversible.
Gastroplasty is a non-surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach (Getty Images)This move is expected to save the NHS money, as obesity-related costs are currently estimated at £6.5 billion per year. According to draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), ESG can be offered to patients across varying ethnic backgrounds with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 27.5 to 30 or above. Currently, weight-loss surgeries such as gastric bands or bypasses are options for those with a BMI of 40 or more, or for patients with a BMI over 35 who also have other conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Professor Jonathan Benger, the Chief Medical Officer at Nice, said: “We know people who live with obesity or who are overweight are more likely to be at risk of other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. A procedure which helps to reduce a person’s weight is one way to lower the risk of developing these conditions, and to improve overall health and wellbeing.
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"Our committee has found endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for people living with obesity to be a safe and effective procedure which can reduce the size of the stomach and, therefore, make them feel fuller on a smaller amount of food. One of the benefits is that this procedure can be carried out as a day case, and not involve an overnight stay, reducing the time people spend in hospital compared with other surgical options. Recovery is also quicker."
According to Nice, obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6.5 billion per year and is the second-biggest preventable cause of cancer. The Health Survey for England 2021 found 25.9% of adults in England are obese, with a further 37.9% overweight. Prof Benger added: "Surgical treatment options are in high demand and not everyone wants, or is fit enough, to undergo an operation like bariatric surgery. A non-invasive procedure like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty could be a welcome new option for some people." A consultation on Nice's guidance is now open and will run until October 26.
Earlier this year, Nice approved the weight loss injection semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, for patients with a BMI over 30, or higher than 27 if other health conditions are present. The drug was launched in the UK in August and is now accessible to patients through specialist services. Despite a global shortage of semaglutide, it is anticipated that about 50,000 people will benefit from it. Last month, Nice suggested tirzepatide also known as Mounjaro as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes. This drug belongs to the same family as weight-loss injections and is currently under review by Nice as a separate weight-loss tool.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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