Tissue Remodeling for a More Homogenous Ablation in Transoral Outlet Reduction Using Suturing and Noncontact Argon Plasma Coagulation

The study is the first to assess the argon-plasma coagulation ArC Smart linear beam for mucosal ablation in transoral outlet reduction for weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The noncontact design of the linear beam can enhance tissue healing and remodeling of gastrojejunal anastomosis by causing a uniform scarring with minimal tissue injury. We followed patients for 45 days, during which none experienced gastrointestinal bleeding, stenosis, or ulcers, reporting 9.8% average of total body weight loss. The ArC Smart beam may offer a safer, more effective alternative to traditional argon-plasma coagulation for transoral outlet reduction, with better reduction in weight loss, although comparative studies are needed.