EndoBarrier Procedure

Herzliya Medical Center specializes in modern methods of treatment of the metabolic syndrome, accompanied by obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, until the development of diabetes type and elevated levels of lipids in the blood. EndoBarrier is a minimally invasive technique, successfully used by Dr. Ben Gal that allows radically to solve the problem of metabolic syndrome without resorting to bariatric surgery.

An innovative solution in the treatment of obesity and diabetes type

EndoBarrier is a revolutionary technique for treating obesity and diabetes type by reducing the absorption of nutrients and the normalization of hormonal levels. EndoBarrier is not a drug and does not require open surgery. Unlike many bariatric surgeries, this technique is not related to structural and irreversible changes in the anatomy of the digestive tract.

EndoBarrier is a thin and highly elastic membrane, resembling the sleeve, implantable in the initial parts of the small intestine. The diaphragm repeats the shape of the intestine and creates a mechanical barrier between the mucosa and the intestinal contents. The resulting barrier prevents the absorption of nutrients in the upper small intestine, without hindering the passage of the intestinal contents and does not limit the patients in the amount and consistency of food intake. Endobarrier is designed to change the way the body responds to food, by altering the release of natural chemicals called hormones. This helps reduce your appetite and improve the body’s ability to control blood sugar.

To place EndoBarrier, the doctor uses an endoscope that is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. The EndoBarrier procedure is reversible and does not alter the body’s natural anatomy. EndoBarrier is left in your body for a year to help you manage your blood sugar and body weight, and is then removed using an endoscope.

Indications for using EndoBarrier

EndoBarrier is for patients suffering from uncompensated diabetes of the second type, followed by obesity. These manifestations are the main components of the metabolic syndrome, which in addition to the above features are characterized by impaired lipid metabolism and fatty liver. This innovative method allows us to solve the problems caused by serious metabolic disorders and to prevent the development of irreversible secondary changes and complications.

How is the treatment of EndoBarrier conducted at HMC

EndoBarrier is performed on an outpatient basis at the Department of Gastroenterology at Herzliya Medical Center without the need for hospitalization. An elastic sleeve is inserted with an endoscope, which does not require surgical incisions or deep general anesthesia. Part of the EndoBarrier is fixed in the lower part of the stomach to prevent its further promotion through the intestines. The method begins to act immediately after administration and after a short time the normalization of blood sugar, as well as a marked reduction in body weight will occur.

Physiological changes in the body during the implant is stored for a long time and prevent the re-decompensation of diabetes.

Forecast and the factors influencing the efficiency of EndoBarrier

Scientific studies have shown that this technique is particularly effective with patients in their efforts to change their lifestyle, following the recommendations of nutritionists and specialists in the treatment of obesity and diabetes type 2. EndoBarrier results in an average of about 25% loss of body weight within twelve months. A multidisciplinary team at Herzliya Medical Center will provide detailed advice to patients about how to maintain the achieved results for a long time.