Primary endoluminal bariatric procedures

Endoscopic treatment of obesity is an area of growing interest. These endoscopic treatment options are less invasive than traditional surgical operations and are considered more effective than available medical and life style modification options. Endoscopic interventions currently available work through several mechanisms including space-filling devices that reduce volume of food intake, reduction in the stomach volume with endoscopic suturing, mucosal liners that reduce absorption, and aspiration therapy to remove the ingested food before absorption. Other devices are on the horizon with other mechanisms. This article will review the mechanisms and data surrounding endoscopic devices and procedures currently approved by the FDA and those in development. Some of the devices have limited data available due to being early in their clinical application.