Normally, after eating, the chewed food reaches the stomach, which processes it into a pulp. The stomach releases the chyme into the small intestine. This is where the actual digestion takes place. In the small intestine, the food is broken down further and nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal walls.
An EndoBarrier is, as the name suggests, a barrier. It lines parts of the small intestine from the inside , preventing contact between the intestinal wall and the food pulp. This prevents the body from absorbing the nutrients.
An EndoBarrier is a thin and flexible tube about 60 cm long. The surgeon inserts the tube into the upper part of the small intestine in a minimally invasive procedure and fixes it in place.
The artificial barrier effectively prevents the intestinal villi from absorbing nutrients along the entire length of the tube. An EndoBarrier is therefore also suitable for weight loss in severely obese patients.
The body then releases specific hormones that exert an optimal influence on the metabolism. As a result, obesity surgery specialists achieve an average weight loss of around 20 percent.
The EndoBarrier is inserted into the upper part of the small intestine © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
The advantages of an EndoBarrier
The transportation of food in the duodenum can be controlled in a targeted manner using a specially made artificial skin.
On the one hand, this efficiently inhibits the release of hormones that negatively promote the development of obesity and diabetes.
On the other hand, hormones are released that have a balancing effect on the entire fat metabolism as a kind of positive antagonist.
The advantages of EndoBarrier therapy are
- short, minimally invasive procedure,
- low risk,
- high effectiveness with a weight reduction of up to 20 percent,
- possibly a significant regulation of blood sugar in type II diabetes.
How is an EndoBarrier implanted?
An EndoBarrier is usually implanted during a normal gastroscopy with a brief anesthetic.
Gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to check the esophagus and intestines directly from the inside. The doctor uses a thin tube equipped with a light source and a camera.
He pushes this tube through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach. The camera sends the image live directly to a monitor so that the doctor can take a close look at the inner walls of the organs being passed.
During the gastroscopy, the doctor can also insert the EndoBarrier at the planned location in the duodenum. A medical X-ray probe is used to check the correct position of the EndoBarrier during the procedure.
An operation with tissue incisions and residual scars is not necessary when implanting an EndoBarrier. This technologically smart method is ultimately a simple but effective endoscopic procedure.
Is the specific implantation via the stomach painful?
You will be given a general anesthetic before the procedure. You will therefore not notice anything of the gastroscopy and the placement of the EndoBarrier in the intestinal area.
Any brief discomfort immediately after the mini-operation will pass quickly.
An EndoBarrier can deliver convincing results for people who suffer from severe obesity or diabetes mellitus. The EndoBarrier is also an alternative to invasive obesity surgery (bariatric surgery).
In summer 2012, an EndoBarrier method was used for the first time on an obese patient.
However, pregnant women are not allowed to receive an EndoBarrier.
Eating habits, everyday activities and sport
After the implantation of an EndoBarrier, patients may have to adjust their eating habits and daily activities. The doctor will inform you carefully before the procedure about what you need to pay attention to after the operation.
You may have to adjust to eating different foods and changing your portions. However, a varied and healthy light diet is always permitted. Unlike before, you will feel full much more quickly after eating and this feeling will last longer. Drink as little alcohol as possible.
Immediately after the implant has been inserted, you must not drive or perform physically strenuous activities. Normally, you will be able to resume your daily activities quickly after the implantation of the EndoBarrier.
Sport is even strongly recommended with an EndoBarrier. This will keep your body fit and prevent you from gaining weight again. If necessary, ask a sports doctor for more information.
Taking medication with an EndoBarrier
You may have to adjust the medication you take. You must no longer take the following groups of medicines with an EndoBarrier:
- NSAIDs: anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen,
- all anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin.
If necessary, your doctor will prescribe alternative medication with less disruptive active ingredients.
Patients with type II diabetes must observe further rules. Treatment with the EndoBarrier significantly improves insulin levels and therefore blood glucose levels. You should therefore consult your diabetologist quickly after the EndoBarrier has been fitted in order to adjust your insulin therapy.
It is usually necessary to reduce the insulin dose. Otherwise, hypoglycemia (dangerous low blood sugar levels) may occur.
The most common side effects after implantation are
The high success rate of the EndoBarrier procedure has been scientifically proven.
However, most health insurance companies do not usually cover the costs of the procedure. This means that you will probably have to pay for the EndoBarrier treatment yourself. The implantation usually costs up to €6100. The removal of the membrane, which is due after one year, costs a further €1600.
However, the procedure is worthwhile. Patients with an EndoBarrier often benefit from these results:
- A noticeable weight loss just two weeks after implantation.
- The blood glucose concentration normalizes in type II diabetes mellitus in the following months.
- By optimizing the HbA1c level (detected in the relevant diabetes blood test), a clinically significant weight reduction is indirectly brought about.