Muscat – The procedure, known medically as gastric folding or gastric plication, was done in collaboration with the anaesthesia department and Obesity Treatment Unit at the National Diabetes Center. It utilizes a gastrointestinal endoscope to help obese patients lose weight safely and effectively.

Dr. Hisham bin Abdullah Al Dhahab, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology and Advanced Interventional Endoscopy, explained that the procedure is a safe medical option, as it has a lower complication rate compared to traditional surgeries. It takes about an hour to perform, and patients recover quickly. Besides, the weight loss is gradual, which reduces the risks of issues like skin sagging or hair loss, often associated with rapid weight loss.

The procedure is performed through the mouth, using a gastrointestinal endoscope to reduce the size of the stomach by 50-60 percent without any surgical incisions. This technique is globally approved and does not involve removing or cutting any part of the stomach, making it an ideal solution for patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40. It is also a suitable option for individuals who suffer from extreme obesity but are reluctant to undergo traditional surgery, or those whose weight has returned after previous bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

He also pointed out that this procedure is a viable option for patients whose health conditions do not permit bariatric surgery, offering a less invasive solution to weight management and obesity treatment.