Early lessons on assembling a center for bariatric endoscopy

Training and team

Creating an effective endo-bariatric center requires a truly interdisciplinary team effort [Table 1]. This multidisciplinary team includes bariatric endoscopists (gastroenterologists in our center), bariatric surgeons, gastrointestinal radiologists, nurses, behavioral psychologists as well as registered dieticians^[7]. This team should have a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity in addition to the mastery of endoluminal device and procedure specific knowledge with respect to the mechanism of action and possible complications. A comprehensive and cohesive team allows for the successful utilization of the different endoluminal therapies that may be appropriate for different patient sub-populations in achieving long term weight loss. This is also helpful in the minimization and effective troubleshooting of post-procedural complications that may arise.

While many endoscopic bariatric therapies are extensions of the current endoscopic skills gastroenterologist use daily, a bariatric endoscopist should ideally be trained in many complex endoscopic techniques including endoscopic suturing and luminal stenting. At our program we provide a strong foundation and incorporate formal didactic lectures on primary obesity therapy management [i.e., intragastric balloon (IGB), endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)] as well as managing complications of bariatric surgery and weight regain (transoral outlet revision). We also require a minimum of 10 h of wet lab training followed by exposure to basic uses of endoscopic suturing (defect closure, stent fixation, fistula closure) of > 5 in number prior to assisting on their first ESG. Observing several ESG cases prior to trainees assisting with a hands-on role is also critical. We additionally believe that the first independent 5 ESG cases be proctored. While we do not have a set number of procedures trainees are required to complete, at present they are exposed to approximately over 400 ERCP and 400 EUS procedures per year. Lastly, to help with the implementation of bariatric endoscopy in clinical practice the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)^[8] has published a position paper to help provide guidance on the effective utilization of these therapies in clinical practice. It is important to recognize that this is just based on our early experience, and training in bariatric endoscopy can vary at each institution, depending on the endoscopist’s and center’s experience in training in bariatric endoscopy.

Equipment

Prior to starting a bariatric endoscopy program, it is essential to have all equipment that may be needed. A successful bariatric endoscopy program should offer patients multiple treatment options. These include intra-gastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedure as well as the ability to manage post-bariatric surgery complications.

The endoscopic IGB was first proposed in the 1980s^[9]. The most used IGB is the Orbera IGB system (Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., Austin, TX, USA). ESG is the most offered endoscopic irreversible bariatric procedure. This procedure is performed with the use of an endoscopic suture system. The most widely used and available system is the OverStitch system (Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., Austin, TX, USA). The POSE procedure requires the incisionless operating platform (USGI Medical, Inc., San Clemente, CA, USA) for performing the procedure. We suggest that it is essential to have the commitment of the division and institutional leadership to provide financial support to have all available equipment prior to starting a bariatric endoscopy program.

Process of setting up a team and patient recruitment

Optimal patient selection is crucial in optimizing clinical outcomes. Patients that are referred to our center are usually BMI > 30 patients that are not candidates for bariatric surgery or a looking for minimally invasive procedures due to fear of surgical complications or long term post-bariatric surgery syndromes. All patients meet with our multidisciplinary team and undergo a comprehensive evaluation and education regarding the different endoluminal therapies available tailoring for the patient’s ultimate goals. Lastly, meeting with a dietitian before and after the procedure is crucial in educating patients of the long lifestyle changes required to make durable long-lasting changes. Our program offers monthly nursing and dietitian visits as part of our comprehensive 1-year care program. Establishing a self-pay price from a large institution can take time and best to begin these conversations early with the administration with value analysis planning. Lastly, given the need for more long-term data in patients underwent bariatric and metabolic endoscopy, we also suggest developing infrastructure to carry out research studies.

Academic medical center vs. community practice

While a majority of the new bariatric and metabolic endoscopy therapies are being performed at large tertiary referral academic medical centers, there has been a growing amount of these procedures being performed in smaller community hospitals. Not only are some of these procedures technically feasible in the outpatient setting such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty with similar procedure times, they also have parallel clinical outcomes with respect to percentage of total and excess body weight loss^[10]. While the clinical outcomes are similar, some challenges that community gastroenterologist will encounter in its widespread implementation is the reluctance on the part of payors to cover new procedures mentioned above as well as the infrastructure required. As the field of bariatric endoscopy continues to evolve and more studies show durable clinical outcomes with favorable safety profiles, we will see increased adoption of these procedures in the outpatient setting.

Training of the endoscopist

Given that there are limited formal bariatric endoscopy training programs available, the training of endoscopist can be challenging^[11]. To undertake bariatric endoscopy as an integral part of your practice, needs long-term commitment by the endoscopist and self-driven training. Prior to performing the first case in a human, it is advisable to practice on mechanical and ex-vivo simulators. Animal laboratories can often be set-up with the help of companies manufacturing endoscopic bariatric devices^[10]. In addition, there are several courses sponsored by gastroenterological organizations such as the ASGE. After basic understanding of bariatric endoscopic procedures and post-bariatric surgery anatomy is obtained, we suggest in-person shadowing at a high-volume bariatric endoscopy center. This includes shadowing the bariatric endoscopist in the office as well as during endoscopy. This allows first-hand experience of observing intra-procedural challenges and trouble shooting. In addition, for programs starting their bariatric endoscopy training program, it is important to ensure that nurses or assistants (endoscopy technicians) undergo a robust training session on the use of bariatric endoscopy devices. We suggest developing a pre, intra and post procedural checklist to ensure the procedures go smoothly for beginning bariatric endoscopists. When the first case is being performed, it is essential to disclose this fully to the patient. In regard to preparation for the first in-human ESG for the endoscopist, it is advisable for the endoscopist to have no other cases for that day. The schedule should be fully blocked for this case. The endoscopist should have no other clinical responsibilities such as being on-call or covering the inpatient procedures. This way the endoscopist is completely focused on this procedure alone. Discussion should be done in advance with the endoscopy team as well as anesthesia, and expectations clearly laid out that given that this will be the first procedure of the endoscopist, it could take more time. The bariatric surgery team should be available for back-up in case of any complication. Proctoring from expert clinicians is highly recommended for the first several ESG cases and beyond those given a lengthy learning curve, ongoing industry presence during ESG cases is essential. These efforts ensure that the procedure will be carried as safely as possible.