C.J. Gish
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital recently performed its first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedure, bringing a new, non-surgical option to patients in the region.
The procedure appeals to bariatric patients by recreating what would occur at a surgical sleeve gastrectomy without the need for surgery and a reduced risk component.
“New procedures, such as ESG offered at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital truly showcase our focus on innovation to offer the best possible outcomes for our patients,” said Eric Lawson, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital chief executive officer, in the press release. “Our medical staff continues to be on the innovative and progressive front of new procedures and technologies, allowing us to further our commitment to the care and improvement of human life.”
The procedure, performed by using a flexible scope, goes through the patient’s mouth, the same way as in a standard outpatient scope procedure. A specialized device is used through this scope and places permanent sutures to narrow the size of the stomach. The majority of patients are discharged the same day of the procedure without any incisions or puncture sites.
“It’s a privilege to be in the position that we are in to give patients another option for a more non-invasive procedure that can help change their life,” said Dr. Yaseen Perbtani, a gastroenterologist at North Florida Hospital, in the press release. “The ultimate goal of any weight loss procedure is to improve one’s health, and we are excited to be able to offer this new procedure to help support our patients on their weight loss journey.”
North Florida Hospital will also be offering the transoral outlet reduction (TOR) procedure. This procedure will be available for someone who has had gastric bypass surgery in the past and has experienced a significant weight re-gain. Also an outpatient endoscopic procedure, the goal is to reduce the size of the patient’s stomach outlet and pouch back to its original postoperative state.