GMA (Gastric Mucosal Ablation) is a modern, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that helps permanently reduce hunger and lose excess weight. The procedure involves precise ablation (or “burning”) of the gastric mucosa near the fundus, where the hormone ghrelin, responsible for appetite stimulation, is produced.
The GMA procedure is recommended for adults who:
-have a BMI ≥ 30,
-experience difficulty controlling appetite and maintaining body weight,
-want to avoid surgical methods for treating obesity,
-have previously undergone the OverStitch procedure and want to enhance its effects,
-are seeking a solution between diet and traditional bariatric surgery.
GMA can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other endoscopic procedures, such as OverStitch or a gastric balloon. However, it is not performed on patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery (e.g., sleeve gastrectomy).
Preparation for GMA is similar to that for the OverStitch procedure. Patients receive a detailed diet plan from our dietitian, covering the pre- and post-procedure periods.
After the procedure, the following is recommended:
-Gradual reintroduction of foods (liquid, then pulpy, then easily digestible),
-Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days,
-Take any prescribed protective medications.
Most patients return to their daily activities after 1-2 days, and improvement in well-being and a decrease in appetite are observed within the first week.
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The GMA procedure offers many benefits that contribute to improving patients’ quality of life. By reducing ghrelin levels, patients experience less hunger, allowing them to more easily control their food intake. The procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and has a short recovery time, allowing for a quick return to daily activities.
Hunger Reduction – Reducing ghrelin levels leads to reduced appetite and a longer feeling of fullness.
Natural Weight Loss – By reducing appetite, patients consume fewer calories, leading to gradual and lasting weight loss.
A safe, non-surgical method – no incisions, no scarring, and minimal risk of complications.
Short recovery time – patients can return to activity the very next day.
Combination of procedures possible – GMA can be performed with OverStitch or a gastric balloon.
Modern technology – thanks to the MOVIVA® system, ablation is precise, uniform, and fully controlled.
The GMA procedure is performed using the Erbe – MOVIVA® device, which combines injection and ablation functions in a single instrument, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
Thanks to argon plasma technology (APC), ablation is precise, uniform, and limited to the mucosal layer, without damaging deeper structures of the stomach.
In the publication by Maselli et al., Gastroenterology (2024), this method was deemed safe and promising in the treatment of obesity – as an alternative to more invasive bariatric techniques.