title: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (the Apollo method): a new approach to obesity management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many obese patients cannot lose weight or reject conventional obesity management. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (the Apollo method) is a pioneering coadjuvant, interventionist technique for the integral management of obesity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goals of this study were to report safety and efficacy results obtained at 6 months in patients undergoing endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study was performed in 55 patients (13 males, 42 females) who were subjected to the Apollo technique; mean age was 43.5 years (range 25-60) and mean BMI was 37.7 kg/m2 (range 30-48). All received multidisciplinary follow-up for weight loss. Weight changes and presence of complications were assessed. Through the endoscope a triangular pattern suture is performed consisting of approximately 3-6 transmural (mucosa to serosa) stitches, using a cinch device to bring them nearer and form a plication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 6-8 plications are used to provide a tubular or sleeve-shaped restriction to the gastric cavity. No major complications developed and patients were discharged at 24 hours following the procedure. Endoscopic and radiographic follow-up at 6 months post-procedure showed a well preserved tubular form to the stomach. After 6 months patients had lost 18.9 kg and 55.3% of excess weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, together with dietary and psycho-behavioral changes, is a safe, effective technique in the coadjuvant management of obese patients.
authors.affiliation: Endoscopia Bariátrica, Hospital Universitario Madrid Sanchinarro, España.
authors.forename: Gontrand
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: López-Nava Breviere
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Endoscopia Bariátrica, Hospital Universitario Madrid Sanchinarro, España.
authors.forename: Inmaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bautista-Castaño
authors.affiliation: Endoscopia Bariátrica, Hospital Universitario Madrid Sanchinarro, España.
authors.forename: Juan Pedro
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Fernández-Corbelle
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Endoscopia Bariátrica, Hospital Universitario Madrid Sanchinarro, España.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome