Intragastric balloon therapy for obesity: Is it safe and effective?

Aim: Bariatric surgery is a costly and invasive method with permanent effects and medications for treatment of obesity is less costly but may cause systemic side effects. Intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy is a minimal invasive and temporary option between medical therapy and bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficiency of intragastric balloon application and present our results. Methods: 39 patients who underwent IGB therapy between 2015 and 2017 were included in the study. IGB was advanced into the stomach, and then the balloon was filled with saline and methylene blue solution. The patients were assessed by a nutritionist during the follow-up period and after balloon removal they were evaluated for results. Results: Of 39 patients, 33 were female and the median body mass index (BMI) was 33.2 kg/m2 before the procedure. Three patients (7.6%) could not tolerate the balloon; therefore balloon extraction was performed on the day 1, 5 and 25. Median duration of therapy was 8 months (1 day-17 months). While excessive weight loss (EWL) ratio was 22.8% in patients whose balloon was removed in 6 months, EWL ratio was 41.6% in patients whose balloon remained more than 6 months. The median BMI after balloon removal was 28.3 kg/m2. The only complication was spontaneous IGB deflation and excretion transanally. Conclusion: Intragastric balloon therapy may be recommended as a safe and effective option for the patients who have had failed attempts of diet and exercise and will not undergo bariatric surgery