What You Need to Know About the Intragastric Balloon

There are several types of intragastric balloons

Today, there are several types of intragastric balloons on the market that, depending on the patient's BMI, can hold more or less saline solution and can last 6 or 12 months. They are always inserted and removed by endoscopy, except for gastric balloons Elipse and Allurion which deflate and are expelled naturally from the digestive tract. It will always be the surgeon who will decide and indicate to the patient which intragastric balloon will be the most appropriate according to their clinical case.

The main types of intragastric balloons are:

• Intragastric balloons that last 4 months:
  • Elipse: indicated for people with a BMI of 27-35, 500cc of saline solution;
• Intragastric balloons that last 6 months:
  • Medsil: intended for people with a BMI of 27-35, 600cc of saline solution;
  • Orbera: intended for people with a BMI of 27-35, 500-170cc of saline solution;
• Gastric balloons that last one year:
  • Spats: designed for patients with a BMI of 27-35, 500-700cc of saline solution;
  • Orbera355: designed for people with a BMI of 30-40, 500-170cc of saline solution;

The placement of the intragastric balloon is a simple procedure

The intragastric balloon is placed endoscopically, by gastroscopy, under sedation. Some centers perform the procedure under general anesthesia. The deflated intragastric balloon, contained in a sheath, is connected to a silicone positioning catheter with an outer diameter of 6.5 mm, itself connected by a connector to a filling system. A metal guide is inserted into the silicone catheter to increase its rigidity. The balloon is inserted empty into the stomach, then filled with approximately 500 to 700 cc of sterile saline solution mixed with 2 cc of methylene blue. The expandable design allows for various adjustments of the fill volume at the time of insertion, from 400 cc to 700 cc. A self-sealing valve allows it to detach from external catheters.

The first step of the procedure involves a thorough endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach. If there are no local contraindications, the endoscope is removed and the balloon catheter is gently inserted into the esophagus until it reaches the stomach. The small size of the positioning catheter allows the endoscope to be reintroduced to observe the filling steps. Once the balloon has passed the lower esophageal sphincter and its intragastric location has been confirmed, the metal guide is removed. The balloon is filled, then slight suction is applied to the positioning catheter. The vacuum thus created causes the valve to close, preventing the aspiration of liquid. The balloon is released by gently pulling on the filling tube while the balloon is against the end of the endoscope or the lower esophageal sphincter. Continue to pull the filling tube until it is out of the self-sealing valve. After release, the correct positioning of the balloon is checked by endoscopy.

Post-operative effects of the intragastric balloon are minimally painful

During the first few days after the placement of the intragastric balloon, the patient may feel unwell and experience symptoms such as:

• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Cramps;
• Nausea or bloating;

During the first 72 hours, the patient should follow a liquid diet, preferably for the first week, and should not drink carbonated drinks or alcohol due to their gas and alcohol content. Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol consumption for the duration of the treatment.

From the second week after the placement of the intragastric balloon, you can start eating foods such as mashed potatoes or vegetables, and from the third week, you can start eating solid foods. It is advisable to always drink plenty of water, avoiding this action during meals. Doctors advise against any physical activity during the first week.

The intragastric balloon is a safe procedure

The intragastric balloon is a safe treatment that minimizes postoperative complications, but it is possible that the patient may experience:

• Nausea;
• Diarrhea;
• Bloating;
• Abdominal cramps;
• Esophageal injury;
• Gastroesophageal reflux;
• Bowel obstruction;
• Pharyngeal irritation;

As the intragastric balloon is a safe treatment, there is a low risk of rupture. In the event that the intragastric balloon should rupture, the urine will be blue in color due to the color of the saline solution inside the balloon and you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to remove the intragastric balloon to avoid a bowel obstruction.

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Weight loss with the intragastric balloon is not temporary

The placement of the intragastric balloon is not a permanent treatment and surgeons generally use it to help you lose weight before bariatric surgery. If you maintain your pre-treatment eating habits, obesity will return, which is why it is recommended to always be followed by a nutritionist.

Ideal candidates for the intragastric balloon are not necessarily obese

Ideal candidates for the intragastric balloon are those who suffer from severe obesity and are unable to lose weight through conventional attempts such as sport, diets or medication, and who have a BMI (body mass index) greater than 35.

This treatment is also chosen by surgeons to significantly reduce the weight of people who are then to undergo surgical weight reduction. The gastric balloon is not indicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn's disease, gastroesophageal reflux, patients taking anticoagulants or those suffering from liver diseases.

What are the advantages of the intragastric balloon?

• No need for endoscopy or anesthesia surgery;
• Constant feeling of fullness;
• Average weight loss of 10 to 15 kg in 16 weeks;
• Average body weight loss of 10 to 15% in 16 weeks;
• Positioning in 15 minutes;
• 95% of weight loss maintained after 1 year;
• Complete 6-month program;
• Results monitoring kit;

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