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

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate weight changes after left gastric artery (LGA) embolization in a retrospective cancer-naive cohort. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.