StomaphyX - Prevention of Regaining Weight After Bariatric Surgery

The Stomaphy X procedure is a new and innovative revision procedure for individuals who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and have regained weight due to a stretched stomach pouch or enlarged stomach outlet. The procedure uses a device known as the StomaphyX which is an endoluminal fastener and delivery system that consists of an ergonomic, flexible fastener delivery device and sterile [sic] polypropylene fastener implants.

The procedure reduces the stomach pouch and stomach outlet (stoma) to the original gastric bypass size without traditional surgery or incisions and with minimal recovery time. It was approved by the US FDA in 2007.

Benefits of the StomaphyX procedure include:

• No need for abdominal or internal surgical incisions
• Overall risks are much lower than with traditional surgery
• Less pain than laparoscopy
• Reduces risk of infection from surgical incisions
• Reduces size of stomach pouch, which limits food intake
• In most cases, it is performed on an outpatient basis
• Essentially painless
• Preserves future treatment options
• Adjustable and/or revisable
• Quick recovery (one day vs. two to eight weeks for revision surgery)

Cost of StomaphyX

The cost of the StomaphyX procedure is roughly $9,500 to $10,500. This is less than half the cost of a full revision surgery.

Why is the StomaphyX procedure performed?

Although gastric bypass surgery is successful in most of patients, approximately 15 to 20 percent of individuals start to regain some of the weight a few years post surgery. The stomach pouch and stoma can gradually stretch over time as the body's digestive system becomes accustomed to the changes and the patient returns to unhealthy eating patterns, resulting in an ability to eat more food without feeling full and eventually putting some of the weight back on that was lost from surgery. Until recently, the only way to combat the effects of a patient's stoma stretching was through diet and exercise, or a second invasive surgery.

The StomaphyX procedure reduces the stomach pouch and stoma to a size similar to the original gastric bypass surgery. The connection between the stomach pouch and small intestines is then sutured resulting in slower emptying of the stomach and earlier satiety and more weight loss.

How do you know if you are a candidate?

If you and your doctor suspect that your stomach pouch or stoma may have stretched, visit a gastroenterologist who can measure your stomach pouch or stoma, using a small scope with a video camera. This endoscopy procedure requires light sedation.

This procedure is also recommended for:

• Gastric Bypass patients who have regained weight or want to lose more weight;
• Duodenal Switch patients who want more restriction;
• Sleeve Gastrectomy patients who want more restriction in the remaining stomach;
• Those with stomach fistula or leak
• Those with severe dumping syndrome;
• Those with low blood sugar from late dumping.

How is the StomaphyX procedure performed?

First, the patient is put under general anesthesia. Using a fiberoptic gastroscope the esophagus and stomach are easily accessed.

Then, the bariatric surgeon gently guides the StomaphyX device through the mouth and into the stomach pouch inside a long, thin tube and performs the procedure using endoscopic visualization.

Once inside the stomach pouch, stomach plications (pleating) of the pouch are formed by using the stomaphyx device that places multiple fasteners between a fold of stomach pouch. The pouch is reduced in size and made less compliant (stiff).

How long does the StomaphyX procedure take?

Approximately 20-60 minutes, depending on the size of the stomach pouch and how much revision needs to be done.

How long is the recovery period?

• The recovery period is very minimal, most patients can return to work as early as the next day.
• There are no incisions and no visible scars.
• In order to allow the pleats to bond to each other, patients are put on a liquid diet for two weeks.

Risks of StomaphyX procedure include:

There are no long term studies because the procedure is new, but bariatric surgeons say it poses little to no risk to patients, as long as the surgeon is properly trained in using the device.

Two main risks are bleeding and perforation, which should be minimal if the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon who knows how to perform endoscopy and properly how to use the device.

Click here to see if your insurance plan covers StomaphyX