Potential benefits of gastric plication in the treatment of obesity discussed at 3rd ADSS

Doctors who recently gathered at Min-Sheng General Hospital for the third Asian Diabetes Surgery Summit (ADSS) discussed the potential benefits and limitations of gastric plication in the treatment of obesity. Although surgical procedures like the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy have shown excellent results in the long term treatment of obesity, some patients are reluctant to undergo such a procedure which they see as too radical and irreversible (in the case of the gastrectomy).

Until recently, the only option for these patients was the gastric banding, a restrictive procedure that has been used for many years now. Unfortunately, studies have shown that although effective in reducing weight in the couple of years after the band was applied, the gastric banding success rates at five years and beyond dip dramatically. The procedure is also less suitable for Asian patients due to local diets that are rich in soft and semi-liquid foods which pass easily through the restrictive ring.

A gastric plication decreases the size of the stomach without removing sections of the stomach or implanting a restricting device. It decreases the volume of the stomach by folding the stomach inwardly, and suturing the folds, reducing the stomach volume and therefore limiting food intake. It is a relatively new procedure for people who want to reduce their weight, but are uncomfortable with the idea of having a part of their stomach removed or an assisting device implanted. The results following a gastric plication are encouraging; however the long term outcome has yet to be established. Yet, studies undertaken in Taiwan and elsewhere show that the procedure’s long term efficiency is improved when it is coupled with a gastric banding. In other words, the long term outcome is better for a combination of gastric plication and gastric banding than for these procedures when performed individually.

The bariatric center at Min-Sheng General Hospital has successfully performed nearly 4000 bariatric surgeries, and offers both the gastric plication, and a combination of plication and banding as an option for its patients.