Dr Matthew Hannington, General Surgeon – Bariatric specialist
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Hospital, Cape Town
T: 021 109 0791
What is an ESG?
An Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical weight-loss procedure performed using a flexible camera (endoscope) through the patient’s mouth.
The stomach is sutured internally to reduce its size, helping patients feel full sooner and eat smaller portions. There are no external incisions or scars.
Key benefits:
- Day procedure – no need to stay over in the hospital
- No cutting or removal of the stomach
- Faster recovery than traditional bariatric surgery
- Clinically proven, sustainable weight loss
- Improvement in diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol
The procedure:
- Performed under general anaesthesia
- Endoscope passed through the mouth into the stomach
- Internal sutures create a sleeve-shaped stomach
- Procedure time: Approximately 60-90 minutes
Recovery and post-operative care:
- Most patients go home the same day
- Return to normal activities within a few days
- Structured liquid-to-soft diet during recovery
- Long-term lifestyle and nutritional support is essential
Contact Cure Day Hospitals Foreshore, Erasmuskloof or Newmarket Day Hospital for a specialist referral.
