How to Remove a Gastric Balloon?

How is gastric balloon removal performed?

Gastric balloon removal typically occurs 6 months after insertion (or sooner if the patient experiences intolerances), via an endoscopic procedure. Once the gastroscope reaches the stomach, a catheter with a needle is used to puncture the balloon. After removing the catheter stylet, the balloon is emptied using catheter aspiration. The aspirated liquid is measured in a special graduated bag to verify complete aspiration of the 500 ml injected. Once the bag is completely empty, the needle catheter is removed, and the balloon is grasped with a two-pronged hooked foreign body forceps. Under endoscopic vision, the gastroscope and balloon are simultaneously retracted and extracted. The procedure is then complete.

Is gastric balloon removal dangerous or painful?

It's important to consider potential complications related to the use of endoscopy and intravenous sedation during gastric balloon removal. The main concern is injury to the esophagus or pharynx caused by the balloon during extraction. These complications occur when the balloon hasn't been completely emptied and therefore retains a size that risks causing erosions or even fissures in the esophagus and pharynx. In this case, surgery may be necessary.

What complications lead to gastric balloon removal?

Minor Complications

Following gastric balloon insertion, most patients experience pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Fortunately, these adverse reactions usually subside within a few days. If they persist, they can cause dehydration and further complications, often necessitating gastric balloon removal. Additionally, there may be an increase in gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers after balloon placement. Medication may be prescribed to alleviate these symptoms, but they naturally resolve over time.

Major Complications

To ensure patient safety, it's crucial to consider potential complications that may lead to gastric balloon removal. The balloon can cause damage to the esophagus or stomach, similar to that seen with other gastric procedures. This damage can be caused by direct contact with instruments used to place the balloon or by an increase in gastric acid production. The consequences of such a complication can be serious, such as ulcers, intense pain, internal bleeding, or even perforation. In the latter case, emergency surgery is usually necessary and can be fatal, especially in obese patients. But the most serious complication is the risk of bowel obstruction. If the intragastric balloon deflates, it can be pushed into the intestine and progress to the rectum without issue. Due to its small size, it will then be eliminated through stool. However, in some cases, it can become lodged in the intestine and cause a bowel obstruction, with serious health consequences.

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What is the purpose of gastric balloon removal?

The gastric balloon consists of a spherical sac made of synthetic material and a valve to seal the liquid inside. The balloon and valve remain in contact with gastric juices throughout their stay in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid therefore causes slow and progressive deterioration of the balloon and valve, and for this reason, the balloon must be removed 6 months after insertion. After this period, the balloon is no longer structurally guaranteed. A deteriorated balloon may rupture, and a deteriorated valve may leak the liquid contained in the balloon. At this stage, the balloon empties more or less quickly and progresses into the intestine beyond the stomach. During its progression, the balloon may become lodged in a narrow or very angled intestinal tube, thus causing a bowel obstruction requiring surgery.

What to eat after gastric balloon removal?

After leaving the clinic following gastric balloon removal, for the first two weeks, the diet should be semi-liquid and homogenous. That is, meals with a consistency similar to baby food are suggested. For breakfast, an ideal option would be to combine milk or yogurt with infant biscuits. As for lunch and dinner, sauces based on rice cream, blended meats and fish, fresh cheese, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil can be tasty additions. Any morning and afternoon snacks will be based on fruit compotes or freshly grated fruit. During the following two weeks, the diet consists of common foods that should be carefully chopped to facilitate chewing. Finally, four weeks after the procedure, if the previous phases have been tolerated without particular difficulty, the patient can move on to a solid diet. The indicated foods are the same as in the previous phase, but without careful chopping, more attention must be paid to chewing each bite. In all phases, it's essential to plan the daily food intake, with three main meals and possibly one or two snacks. As part of bariatric surgery, it is imperative to comply with restrictions regarding alcohol consumption during and outside meals. In addition, particular attention should be paid to the composition of lunches and dinners, where the main course (meat, fish, eggs, cheese, cold cuts, and legumes) should be consumed first, followed by a portion of vegetables and finally a portion of cereals including easily digestible foods such as toast, crackers, or rusks.

After gastric balloon removal, will you gain weight?

The gastric balloon treatment plan involves having a gastric balloon in place for 6 months. The goal is to jumpstart your weight loss. We help you learn to eat healthily and make lifestyle choices. While the balloon is in your stomach, the amount of food your stomach can hold is reduced. The size of the balloon decreases space for food and makes you feel full. This helps you get used to eating less and reduces your appetite. Once the gastric balloon is removed, our professional nutritionists and sports advisors will accompany you for 6 to 12 months to develop a personalized diet and exercise program tailored to your lifestyle and body needs. Your success is our goal.

Have you tried losing weight without success?

Many people today face the challenge of weight loss. For two decades, the gastric balloon has become a popular choice due to its effectiveness and safety. If you have a BMI between 30 and 40 and are looking for help to succeed in your weight loss, we would be happy to talk to you and answer all your questions. Continue reading the information on our site. So contact us today for a free consultation.

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