STOMOPHYX

Does anyone know anything (less biased than a press release by the manufacturer) about this? REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- EndoGastric Solutions, Inc., the world leader in endoluminal intragastric surgery, announces the successful reduction of the stomach pouch size after gastric bypass for obesity, using StomaphyX(TM), a new endoluminal surgical device. In December 2006, five StomaphyX(TM) pouch reduction procedures were successfully performed by Dr. Jacques Himpens and Professor Michel Cremer at Sint-Blasius Hospital in Dendermonde, Belgium. Immediately after the procedure, x-rays showed close to a 50% reduction in pouch size and a substantial change in pouch shape in all patients. All patients experienced the onset of satiety and a significant change in their eating patterns, reported that their stomachs felt similar to the four to five week period after the original surgery, and began to lose excess weight. "For the first time, we have been able to achieve similar near term results as we would hope to achieve with a laparoscopic gastric redo-procedure but through a fully trans-oral procedure," said Dr. Jacques Himpens who has performed over 600 gastric redo-procedures and more than 6,000 bariatric procedures, making him one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the world. "We demonstrated that this procedure is possible, less invasive, and so far after three weeks, effective," said Dr. Himpens. "All five of my patients have lost weight, significantly altered their eating habits, and have benefited from the incisionless aspects of this procedure. I also believe that the reconstructed pouches will hold for them in the near term." "The StomaphyX procedure can be performed in as little as 15 to 20 minutes," continued Dr. Himpens. "Because the procedure is performed transorally, patients are able to return to their normal routines much faster than if they underwent open or laparoscopic surgery. I know that one patient was able to return to her job as a hairdresser the next day. This was especially important to her because she did not want to miss a single appointment during the busy holiday rush." According to Himpens, failure to maintain adequate weight loss after gastric bypass has been reported to be as high as 25-30% as many procedures start to fail three years after surgery. In these cases, surgical redo- procedures are often required. "This breakthrough procedure is important for the future of both bariatric surgery and gastroenterology since we are dealing with an extremely fragile patient population who often cannot undergo a second or third surgical procedure," said Professor Michel Cremer. "When these patients return for a follow up visit and have regained their weight, they are devastated from a psychological standpoint and, until now, they were faced with the prospect of yet another serious surgery or the risk of becoming morbidly obese again. StomaphyX has the potential to reach many of these patients and provide a minimally invasive alternative that carries far fewer risks than traditional approaches but with similar results to bariatric surgery." "Revision bariatric procedures are difficult, time consuming and are associated with high complication rates," according to Dr. Kelvin Higa, President-Elect, American Society for Bariatric Surgery. With more than 170,000 bariatric procedures estimated to be performed in the US in 2007, the number of patients requiring a secondary operation will grow as well. "The need for a less invasive, safer, possibly endoluminal solution to this problem is of great benefit to our patients. This technology has the potential to develop into primary bariatric solutions as well," according to Dr. Higa.

I tried to dig up some info when Connie mentioned this. I could not find a true description. All I learned is that the procedure is done by inserting instruments orally, so no incision is necessary, and that there are hopes that this may replace RNY for many patients in the future as well as providing revision. It is so new that there can't be any long-term sutdies. I'd like the details of what they do... Joy

Interesting...but basically in a nutshell....too soon to tell.

My Doctor in Las Vegas was one of those that learned to do this, unfortunately he retired the end of July & was suppose to have another Doc doing them in the office, but that has not happened. He did perform about 5 or 6 & all have done very well & have lost weight since. I wanted to have it done, but, did not have the $6000 it cost to have done. Most Insurances will not cover it due to being a new procedure. You had to be at least 2 years out & from RNY & had to have gained some of the weight back to be considered. I fit the realm, just did not have away to obtain the money required. I don't know if this answered any of your questions, but, I feel it is a great thing. If the other Doc starts doing them, I am looking into it & will find away to get it done. I still feel I was not bypassed enough during my original surgery. So could at least lose again with this fix. Ladybug Marilyn

A doctor from Ocala, FL was at the OH conference in Atlanta a few weeks ago. A company rep for the manufacter was there. The rep said Medicare has approved it. I am not quite old enough to qualify but will be in a few years. I had RNY 3/2005, starting at 262 and lost to 125 for about 5 minutes. i now weight 133ish. Not sure if I will qualify, but have been told my stom is too big after endoscopy was done a year ago. If Medicare is in your near future, you might check that out. If you find out anything, let me know Patricia

Reenie, This is the best explanation I've found for Stomaphyx: http://www.brazosbariatric.com/content.php?page=options2 Connie