title: Aspiration therapy for obesity; a safe and effective treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the novel AspireAssist® Aspiration Therapy System for treatment of obesity, and its effect on patient's quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study with 25 obese subjects, mean age 48 years (range 33-65), was performed. A custom gastrostomy tube (A-tube, Aspire Bariatrics) was percutaneously inserted during a gastroscopy performed under conscious sedation. Drainage and irrigation of the stomach were performed 3 times daily, 20 min after each meal, for 1-2 years. Efficient aspiration required thorough chewing of ingested food. Treatment included a cognitive behavioral weight loss program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean body mass index (BMI) at inclusion was 39.8 kg/m2(range 35-49). After 1 year mean (SD) BMI was 32.1 kg/m2(5.4),p< 0.01, and excess weight loss was 54.4% (28.8),p< 0.01. Quality of life, as measured with EQ-5D, improved from 0.73 (0.27) to 0.88 (0.13),p< 0.01. After 2 years BMI was 31.0 kg/m2(5.1),p< 0.01, and excess weight loss was 61.5% (28.5),p< 0.01. There were no serious adverse events or electrolyte disorders. Compliance was 80% after 1 year and 60% after 2 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aspiration therapy is an efficient and safe treatment for obesity, and weight reduction improves quality of life. Excess weight was approximately halved in a year, with weight stability if treatment was continued.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Trial Register ISRCTN 49958132. Retrospectively registered 28/02/2014.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Blekinge County Hospital, Lasarettsvägen, Karlskrona, S-371 85 Sweden.
authors.forename: Erik
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1983-4676
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Norén
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Blekinge County Hospital, Lasarettsvägen, Karlskrona, S-371 85 Sweden ; Blekinge Center of Competence, Blekinge County Council, Karlskrona, Sweden.
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Forssell
keywords: Aspiration therapy; Gastrostomy; Obesity treatment