Comparable improvement and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty vs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: single-center study

Background Despite excellent surgical outcomes, a minority of qualified patients undergo weight loss surgery. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), an incisionless procedure, has proven to be effective in achieving weight loss and comorbidity improvement. We aim to compare outcomes of ESG to those of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). Method A retrospective review of a prospective database of patients who underwent ESG and LSG at NorthShore University HealthSystem from 2016 to 2023 was completed. Demographic and outcome data were analyzed. Pre- and post-surgical data were compared using chi-square and two-sample t tests. Improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities were also assessed. Results A total of 212 LSG and 68 ESG patients were reviewed. ESG patients were older (47 +/- 10 vs. 43 +/- 12, p = 0.006) and less obese (BMI 37.0 +/- 5.5 vs. 45.8 +/- 0.4, p < 0.001) than LSG patients. Median length of stay after ESG was 0 days and after LSG 1 day (p < 0.001). Severe adverse events were seen less frequent after ESG (1.47%, vs 3.77%). LSG achieved more significant %TBWL at 6 months (25.2 +/- 8.9 vs 14.9 +/- 7.4), 1 year (27.5 +/- 10.8 vs 14.1 +/- 9.8), and 2 years (25.7 +/- 10.8 vs 10.5 +/- 8.8, all p < 0.001) after surgery when compared to ESG. LSG achieved significantly greater %EWL compared to ESG at 6 months (57.0 +/- 20.7 vs 50.4 +/- 29.2, p = 0.137), 1 year (61.4 +/- 24.6 vs 46.5 +/- 34.0, p = 0.026), and 2 years postoperatively (59.7 +/- 25.5 vs 32.6 +/- 28.2, p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in rates of improvement or resolution of diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension. Conclusion ESG is an effective procedure for weight loss and comorbidity resolution. Obesity-related comorbidities are comparably improved and resolved following ESG vs LSG. Although the weight loss in LSG is significantly higher, patients can expect a shorter hospital length of stay and a lower rate of complications after ESG. ESG continues to show promise for long-term weight loss and improvement in health.