Bariatric embolization: A possible non-surgical option for weight reduction

Gastric arterial embolization has historically been used to treat gastrointestinal hemorrhage. After the discovery of the appetite-inducing hormone, ghrelin, gastric fundal embolization or bariatric embolization has gained importance for weight reduction. Although still in initial experimental stage, the only effective nonsurgical intervention for reduction of ghrelin is bariatric gastric embolization. Preliminary findings from early single-arm clinical trials have demonstrated that bariatric embolization results in significant decrease of plasma ghrelin levels and leads to weight loss. It is a safe, novel, promising technique that has the potential to be an alternative procedure to surgery for patients with body mass index between 30 and 40. Common side effects include transient epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers.