Gastroplasty Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of gastroplasty in the UAE typically ranges from $2,000 to $18,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Gastroplasty reduces the size of the stomach without removing any of it. Today the term most often refers to endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), carried out through the mouth with a flexible camera. In the UAE, the cost depends on:

• Type: endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or older surgical gastroplasty.
• Suturing device: single-use equipment.
• Anaesthesia: usually general or deep sedation.
• Follow-up programme: dietitian and medical support.

Confirm whether a quote refers to endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or an older surgical operation.

In NICE's description, a flexible endoscope with a stitching tool is passed through the mouth and used to fold and stitch the stomach into a narrower shape. Because no tissue is removed, the procedure is considered potentially reversible, and patients usually leave hospital on the same day. NICE allows its use for adults with a BMI of at least 30, or at least 27.5 in some ethnic groups.

Before modern techniques, vertical banded gastroplasty stapled the stomach to form a small pouch. ASMBS reports that it has largely fallen out of use: many people regained weight or developed severe heartburn, and trials showed better weight loss with gastric bypass.

ASMBS reports an average total weight loss of 13.6% at 12 months in the MERIT trial, less than after a surgical sleeve, and warns that ESG stitches can make later surgery more complex. It should be part of a full weight management programme.

Gulf News reports that the UAE basic health insurance plan excludes treatment for obesity, so check whether your own plan includes weight loss surgery before planning treatment.