Endoscopic Gastric Sleeve in Nairobi

What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

ESG is an incisionless weight-management procedure performed from inside the stomach. A clinician advances a camera-equipped endoscope through the mouth and uses an endoscopic suturing system to bring sections of the stomach wall together. This creates a narrower shape and reduces usable volume without removing tissue.

ESG may help a person feel full with smaller meals and may slow stomach emptying. It is one component of care rather than a replacement for nutrition, movement, behavioural change or treatment of related health conditions.

Is ESG “non-surgical”?

It is commonly described as non-surgical because there are no abdominal incisions and no stomach resection. It remains an invasive medical procedure performed in a clinical setting. Anaesthesia or deep sedation, monitoring, equipment, clinician training and a complication plan are still important.

How an endoscopic gastric sleeve works

1. The team reviews consent, fasting, medicines and anaesthesia or sedation requirements.
2. The clinician passes the endoscope through the mouth into the stomach.
3. Using a suturing device, the clinician places a planned pattern of stitches to fold and shorten the stomach.
4. The team checks the result and monitors recovery before discharge or observation.

Technique, duration, anaesthesia and discharge arrangements vary. They must be confirmed by the treating clinician rather than inferred from other clinics.

Who may be assessed for ESG?

ESG may be considered for selected adults living with obesity who have not achieved adequate, durable improvement with structured lifestyle treatment and who either do not meet criteria for surgery or prefer a less invasive option. A BMI calculation alone is not enough.

Assessment may consider weight and treatment history, gastrointestinal symptoms, reflux, hiatus hernia, ulcers or bleeding risk, previous stomach surgery, current medicines, diabetes and other conditions, anaesthesia risk, eating patterns, mental wellbeing, alcohol and smoking, pregnancy plans and capacity for ongoing follow-up. Active gastrointestinal disease or other findings may make ESG unsuitable or require further investigation.

Potential benefits and limitations

Potential advantages include avoiding abdominal incisions, leaving the stomach and intestine intact and generally requiring less recovery than abdominal surgery. For suitable patients, ESG may support clinically meaningful weight reduction when paired with a structured programme.

ESG may result in less weight loss than surgical procedures, and durability varies. Sutures can loosen, stomach volume can increase and weight may return. Some patients require medication, repeat endoscopy or later bariatric surgery.

Risks and possible complications

Common early effects can include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bloating or temporary difficulty tolerating fluids. Dehydration can occur if drinking is inadequate. Less common but important complications include bleeding, infection, stomach injury, leakage of stomach contents, collection or abscess, blood clot, anaesthetic complications or the need for hospital care and further intervention.

Persistent vomiting, inability to drink, severe chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, fever, fainting, black stools or vomiting blood require urgent medical attention.

Recovery, food progression and long-term support

Some patients may leave on the same day while others need observation; Rayhaan’s actual pathway requires confirmation. Driving, work and activity advice depend on anaesthesia, symptoms and the person’s circumstances.

Food generally progresses in stages according to a clinician or dietitian’s plan. Early priorities may include hydration and suitable liquids, followed by soft foods and then small portions of balanced solid food. Eating slowly, chewing well, stopping at comfortable fullness and following protein and nutrient advice are important. Do not adopt a generic internet diet.

Long-term care can review weight, symptoms, eating patterns, movement, mental wellbeing and related conditions. ESG works best as part of ongoing obesity management rather than as an isolated procedure.

ESG compared with sleeve surgery and bypass

Endoscopic versus laparoscopic gastric sleeve

ESG folds the stomach using internal sutures. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy removes a large portion of the stomach through abdominal surgery and is irreversible. Surgical sleeve may produce greater weight loss for some patients but carries surgical and staple-line risks.

ESG versus gastric bypass

Gastric bypass creates a pouch and reroutes small intestine. It has a stronger anatomical and metabolic effect but also greater surgical and nutritional complexity. ESG does not reroute bowel and may suit a different patient group.

Review all options in the bariatric surgery in Nairobi guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does ESG involve incisions?

There are no abdominal skin incisions. The endoscope and suturing device pass through the mouth.

Is ESG reversible?

It may be possible to remove or revise sutures in some circumstances, but reversibility is not guaranteed and should not be the main reason to choose it.

How quickly can I return to work?

That depends on anaesthesia, symptoms, job demands and complications. Only the treating team can provide individual advice.

What does ESG cost in Nairobi?

No approved Rayhaan price has been supplied. Request a written quotation showing assessment, procedure, anaesthesia, facility and follow-up costs.

Medical references

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
2. Mayo Clinic: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
3. ASGE: Endoscopic bariatric therapies in clinical practice

Medical disclaimer: General information only. ESG has risks and is not suitable for everyone. Treatment selection requires assessment by a qualified clinician.