Small intestinal interventions including barriers, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, and other small bowel strategies

Bariatric surgery has revolutionized obesity treatment. There remains, however, a large demand for less invasive and potentially cheaper or even reversible procedures that impart a similar effect on obesity and its related comorbidities. Endoluminal Bariatric Therapies, such as endoluminal sleeves or barriers, duodenal mucosal resurfacing technology, and magnetic anastomoses may emerge to fill this gap. To date, their safety profiles and the reported success with regard to both weight loss and diabetes control have proven favorable, yet need to be further studied before widespread adoption. The following review will discuss in detail these procedures and the literature supporting their continued development and potential clinical applications.