Prospective Meta-analysis of Weight Loss Regained and Success Rate of Argon Plasma Coagulation to Suture and Surgery Procedures Post-bariatric Surgery: Status of the Art of Endoscopic Treatment

Abstract

Background: This study performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC) concerning suture (SUT) and surgery (SUR).

Methods: The One-Way tests were applied, with p <0.05 significant. The value of R2 was analyzed (heterogeneity), and the risk of bias of articles was evaluated.

Results: A total of 34 studies were found, eight about APC, twenty about SUT, and six about SUR. For the percentage of Weight Loss Regained (%WLR), the means for APC, SUT, and SUR were 19.39 ± 10.94, 26.06 ± 16.71, and 17.05 ± 9.85, and for success rate (%SR), the means were 89.75 ± 16.75, 86.80 ± 11.44, and 76.00 ± 21.57, respectively with p >0.05, with R² ≥ 50%.

Conclusion: The APC proved to be efficient and safe like the other techniques.

Keywords: Argon plasma coagulation; bariatric surgery.; endoscopic suturing; surgery; weight regain.