AIR FILLED GASTRIC ENDOSCOPIC BALLON FOR OBESITY; OUR RESULTS

Aims To assess the efficiency for morbid obesity, with evaluation of weight loss, tolerance and side effects

Methods We performed a retrospective study in severe obesity patients with air filled gastric balloon (BAG- Heliosphere) in our Unit between 2018 and 2021; the device was inserted and removed without immediate complications.

Results 44 patients were included (31 women) . The mean age was 44,2 years (range 21–59) and mean weight was 156.9±30.4 kg (mean±DS; range 93 and 223) and mean BMI 35±7.2 (range 28–64). Some co-morbidity (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatic steatosis) was found out with 18 patients with BMI<30. The mean BAG gastric stay was six months (range 3.6–8.1) and 2/3 of patients performed a following gastric bypass; final weight loss at balloon rimotion was 140.6±27.5 Kg with a mean weight loss of 16.3±12.3 kg and a E.W.L. of 18.8±14.2%

Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain for only few days were the most common adverse effects; only 2 patients showed a bad tolerance of gastric balloon with anticipated rimotion ; in three patients there was a spontaneos desufflation with balloon migration ; in one patient the excretion of the balloon was natural, in one we conducted a laparoscopic exploration for ileal entrapment and in one patient the rimotion was performed with colonoscopy for rectal retention

Conclusions Air filled gastric balloon rapresents an successfully bridge between lyfestyle modification and surgery; BAG ballon is an efficiency endoscopic method for weight loss with good tolerability; few but severe side effects may happen.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022