Background: Morbid obesity is a major health problem. This study evaluated
the effectiveness and safety of an intragastric balloon (IGB) for the treat
ment of morbid obesity.
Methods. Sixty-nine IGBs were inserted endoscopically over a 3-year period
in 63 consecutive patients (59 women; median age 41 (range 24-67) years). M
edian weight and body mass index were 124.5 (range 89.0-177.8) kg and 46.3
(range 36.2-72.4) kg/m(2) respectively. Significant coexistent disease was
present in 34 patients. Median American Society of Anesthesiologists score
was 3 (range 1-4). Data were recorded following retrospective review of pat
ient case notes.
Results: Mean operating time was 22 (range 15-30) min and median inpatient
stay was 1 (range 1-6) day. Vomiting was the commonest early complication f
ollowing 31 procedures and necessitated early removal of four IGBs. Of 58 p
atients with long-term follow-up, 18 suffered displacement of the IGB after
at least 6 months in situ and three required a laparotomy for intestinal o
bstruction. Fifty patients (86 per cent) lost weight; median weight loss wa
s 15.0 kg (P < 0.001). Median excess weight loss was 16.4 (range - 49.0 to
+ 4.8) and 18.7 (range - 51.5 to 12.6) per cent by 4 and 7 months after IGB
insertion respectively.
Conclusion: The IGB represents a useful device for the treatment of morbid
obesity, particularly in preparation for definitive antiobesity procedures.
Early IGB replacement is essential to minimize complications.