The Apollo Method is a procedure that is characterized because it uses an endoscopic system to perform endoscopic surgery, that is, it is a procedure that is performed without surgery. It is indicated for the treatment of obesity and other pathologies and/or digestive complications that require an endoscopic suture procedure.
At the ServiDigest Clinic, in order for the Digestive Endoscopy specialists at ServiDigest to determine the best treatment for the patient, a prior assessment of the patient is carried out by the multidisciplinary team of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Psychology.
Application of the Apollo Endosurgery Method
Through this method of endoscopic stomach reduction there are different techniques and pathologies that can be treated:
- Endoscopic gastric sleeve, vertical restrictive gastroplasty, EndoSleeve or sleeve via endoscopy
- Endoscopic Resuturig: technique that allows additional sutures to be performed on a surgical or endoscopic Sleeve, previously performed on the patient.
- Endoscopic Repair of Obesity Surgery (RECO): Gastrojejunal anastomosis repair of gastric by-pass.
- Closure of digestive fistulas
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
- Mucosectomy: also known as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
- Gastrointestinal tears and / or perforations
- Digestive prosthesis fixation
- Others: ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, percutaneous gastrostomy closure, POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)-endoscopic treatment of Achalasia.
What is Endoscopic Repair of Obesity Surgery (RECO)?
The repair of a gastric by-pass in a patient using the Apollo Method consists of performing a reduction of the gastrojejunal anastomosis endoscopically, without the need to make external incisions.
By means of an endoscope introduced through the mouth, sutures are made in the gastrojejunal anastomosis in order to reduce its size, achieving a slowing down of the passage of food into the stomach, causing early satiety and delaying the onset of hunger sensation.
With this endoscopic suture system it is also possible to reduce the gastric stump in case it is excessively dilated.
This method is not painful, although it may cause some gastric discomfort. In addition, it usually involves a quick recovery that allows the patient, in most cases, to start a practically normal life after the medical discharge of the procedure.
What is Endoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The Endoscopic Gastric Sleeve is a novel endoscopic treatment for obesity, performed with the Apollo Endosurgery Method, also known as vertical restrictive gastroplasty, EndoSleeve or Endoscopic Sleeve.
This procedure consists in making a series of folds in the stomach wall by means of endoscopic sutures. This reduces the size of the gastric cavity, avoiding its distension and the accommodation to food, causing early satiety and delaying the onset of hunger sensation.
There are many advantages of this endoscopic technique:
- Preservation of the gastric anatomy.
- Repeatable technique
- Low invasive
- Low complication rate
- Prior preparation similar to that used in a routine gastroscopy.
This procedure requires an admission of 24 hours, is performed under general anesthesia and the process lasts approximately 60 minutes. As a general rule, the following day, after a medical control -blood analysis and esophagogastroduodenal radiological transit- patients can be discharged from the clinic, but following a gastroprotection medical treatment.
Postoperative period after the Apollo Method
Once the treatment with the endoscopic stomach reduction system, Apollo Method, has been performed, the Endocrinology, Nutrition and Psychology team will follow up the patient, not only with the objective of medical control of the process, but also as a support to establish the changes in dietary habits and a healthier lifestyle, as well as their subsequent maintenance.