Non-surgical weight loss procedure now available at Edmonton hospital

Surgeons performing a Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure at Royal Alexandra Hospital. (Source: Alberta Health Services)

A new non-surgical treatment for obesity is available to patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a procedure that reduces a person’s stomach size by suturing it internally. Similar to bariatric surgery, patients feel full with less food, in turn leading to weight loss.

The Royal Alex is the only hospital in Alberta where the procedure is performed, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said. Since December, it’s been performed eight times.

A surgical team inserts a thin flexible tube with a camera down the mouth and into the stomach. Tools are used through the endoscope to stitch the stomach from the inside to reduce the size. It takes around 90 minutes.

“This procedure is a significant advancement in the field of weight-loss surgery, especially for patients who don’t qualify for traditional bariatric surgery or prefer a less invasive option,” said

Dr. Noah Switzer, upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon, in a Wednesday news release.

“Rather than having a complex surgery requiring extensive recovery, patients have access to technology that requires no cuts or incisions that allows them to go home the same or next day.”

In the past five years, patients with obesity often turn to popular prescribed medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), but it can often lead to regaining the weight again once the medication is stopped, AHS said.

‘I’m so grateful’

Mary-Ann Thurber is one of the patients who have benefited from ESG. At 65 years old, she was hesitant about the risks associated with bariatric surgery as a long-term weight loss treatment.

She was offered ESG as a treatment option as she only found short-term success with appetite suppression medication.

“Since having the procedure in February, I am sleeping better, I have more energy and ultimately feel better equipped and motivated to manage my weight without the help of appetite suppression medication,” said Thurber.

“I’m so grateful this option was available for me in Edmonton.”

Patients who struggle with obesity are required to have a referral and meet clinic criteria.