Apollo Endosurgery
With Apollo Endosurgery, we have a method to reinforce the diminishing effect of gastric bypass surgery. This can interrupt a steady increase in weight and make it easier to lose weight again. Many patients are very happy about this help.
Apollo OverStitch Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat weight regain and/or duplication symptoms after gastric bypass surgery. It offers an effective alternative to traditional surgical revision surgery.
How does Apollo Endosurgery work?
The Apollo Endosurgery procedure is performed endoscopically, i.e. via the mouth like a gastroscopy. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. A flexible endoscope, equipped with a special suturing device, is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. Sutures are then placed in the pouch stomach to reduce the size of the anastomosis. As a result of this process, patients achieve a feeling of fullness more quickly and eat less overall. It also prevents food from passing through the small intestine too quickly, thereby treating dumping symptoms.
When does Apollo Endosurgery make sense?
The main indications for the Apollo Endosurgery procedure are lack of satiety, secondary weight gain and dumping symptoms after gastric bypass surgery. The indication is usually made after a gastroscopy has been performed. This reveals whether the connection between the gastric pouch and the small intestine (gastro-jejunal anastomosis) is widened and therefore a defective restriction is present.
Is Apollo Endosurgery performed often?
Yes, with Dr. Jörg Zehetner at Swiss1Chirurgie, we have one of the few surgeons in Switzerland who offers this method. He has treated several hundred patients at the Beau-Site clinic since 2016 and has gained a huge amount of experience. He has often been able to restore weight loss and treat dumping symptoms after gastric bypass surgery.
What are the risks?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications with the Apollo Endosurgery procedure. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and gastric perforations (breakthroughs in the stomach wall). Less frequently, complications such as scarring and strictures (narrowing) can also occur.
If the sutures are torn out, a new procedure is required. This is necessary in some patients after just a few months.
The first 100 patients with the Apollo Overstitch were followed up in a study, the results of which have been published. You can find the study here.
What happens after the procedure?
It is important that patients eat a liquid or mushy diet for 4 weeks after the procedure to prevent the suture material from tearing. Good support from our nutritional therapists is also very important.
Follow-up checks are usually carried out at the Center for Bariatric Surgery.