Tube in the stomach. Therapy for diabetes

Implanted intestinal barrier as a new treatment for type 2 diabetes

03/10/2014

At Leipzig University Hospital, a new treatment method for overweight type 2 diabetics is offered, which can replace the use of drugs for diabetes therapy completely in the best case. In the current press release of the University of Leipzig reports the head of the interdisciplinary central endoscopy at the Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Dr. med. Albrecht Hoffmeister that „With the EndoBarrier therapy the blood sugar values ​​drastically improved“ can be achieved and also a significant reduction in the weight of the treated patients can be achieved.

The EndoBarrier is according to the University Hospital „a very thin tube that is placed in the small intestine and delays the digestion of food.“ The procedure should now be initially offered to 20 patients for free. However, the new treatment method is not suitable for all obese type 2 diabetics, which is why interested parties are, of course, extensively examined and selected according to exact criteria. Albrecht Hoffmeister. For example, the procedure is inappropriate if patients are taking anticoagulants or have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. Additional contraindications should be reviewed as part of patient selection.

Intestinal barrier is implanted as part of a gastroscopy
Subsequently, the EndoBarrier can be implanted in the patient as part of a gastroscopy. „No need for surgery when inserting or removing“, so the message from the University Hospital. However „Anesthesia is performed on insertion so that patients do not feel discomfort.“ After implantation at the Leipzig University Hospital, in close collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology, close monitoring of the patients takes place. Once a month it is examined how sugar levels and weight develop, reports the university hospital. According to information from the hospital, after the patients have been wearing the EndoBarrier for one year, they will be removed. This is also done by an endoscopy specialist and the removal of the EndoBarrier is done „again under general anesthesia.“

Amazingly good results of the new treatment method
According to Dr. Albrecht Hoffmeister are the first results of the new treatment method „surprisingly good and exceeded our expectations.“ The physician explained further that the metabolic situation had improved significantly in the treated patients and „some no medication for diabetes therapy anymore“ required. Furthermore, be the „Weight loss in particular due to the loss of fatty tissue“, Hoffmeister explained and added: „We measured that specifically.“ Patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus and who are overweight can register for Interdisciplinary Central Endoscopy at the Uniklinikum Leipzig if they are interested in the novel treatment concept by calling 0341/97 12 221. (Fp)