Upper GI Surgeon (Abdominal)
To my knowledge no-one in Melbourne performs the POSE procedure.
POSE is an investigational (experimental) procedure that aims to achieve weight loss by folding the stomach in on itself, reducing the effective size of the stomach. It is performed endoscopically (by a surgical telescope inserted into the stomach via the mouth) with no incisions.
The long-term results are not yet known. The longest published information I was able to find was a 6-month follow up: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23591548 One website reports 24-month results of >30% excess weight loss in 70% of those having the procedure, but did not give the source of that information. By comparison, the most “mainstream” procedures - laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - have been shown to give 50-70% excess weight loss in about 85% of those having the procedure.
Current endoscopic (incisionless) options include the intragastric balloon (Orbera®) and the endoluminal sleeve (EndoBarrier®), both of which are available in Victoria. The intragastric balloon is a short-term option but involves no sutures or other permanent changes to the stomach. It is removed after 6 months. http://weightlossvic.com.au/orbera-intragastric-balloon.html
The EndoBarrier is a plastic sleeve that makes food bypass the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Both are performed without incisions.
I will update with more information as it becomes available.
Dean Spilias
http://www.uppergi.net
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