Stomaphyx in Brunswick, Georgia
Stomaphyx is a device that is used with a gastroscope to revise the gastric pouch in bypass patients who have started to regain weight or have not lost enough weight and have a larger than expected pouch. It is an exciting new procedure, because it allows us to do this type of surgery without major open or laparoscopic surgery which carries substantial risk and is very expensive. The procedure takes about an hour, and is done on an outpatient basis. The device fits over the outside of the gastroscope and uses special fasteners to pull the pouch together by making "pleats" (for you seamstresses) on the inside. Since it does not require any cutting, stapling or suturing together stomach to bowel, the risk of serious complication is extremely low, and in fact none have been reported to date.
It is a new procedure, and although early results look good, we do not know how well it will hold up over time. Having said that, it can easily be repeated if necessary.