Analysis of weight changes after left gastric artery embolization in a cancer-naive population.

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate weight changes after left gastric artery (LGA) embolization in a retrospective cancer-naive cohort. A retrospective study was conducted to identify patients who underwent LGA embolization for gastrointestinal bleeding (GI). Patients with known cancer diagnoses at the time of LGA embolization were excluded. Pre- and postprocedure weights were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 39 patients were identified. In 21 patients who had documented pre- and postprocedural weights, a median of 16.3 kg weight loss (P = 0.045) was observed over a median time of 12 months (range, 2-72). In patients who had pre- and postprocedure endoscopies (n=6), 2 had worsening ulcers following LGA embolization and 4 had stable or no abnormal findings. Our preliminary observation suggests that LGA embolization is well tolerated and results in unintended weight loss. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.