Efectividad, seguridad y tolerancia del balón intragástrico asociado a una dieta hipocalórica para la reducción de peso en pacientes obesos

Introduction: the endoscopic placement of an intragastric balloon (IGB) in association with a low-calorie diet is an option for the treatment of obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate its effectiveness, safety, and tolerance. Material and methods: thirty-eight patients with no contraindications for IGB were included in this prospective study from March 2004 to January 2007. Balloon removal was performed 6 months later. Weight and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated after IGB removal and at 6 months and 1 year thereafter. Tolerance and complications during treatment were evaluated. Patients filled out a questionnaire to evaluate their subjective perception of treatment. Results: mean weight loss after 6 months on balloon treatment was 14.10 kg (0-46), and mean BMI reduction was 5.23 kg/m2 (0-18). At 12 months after balloon removal 48.4% of patients maintained their weight loss or kept loosing weight. Most common early symptoms included nausea (71.1%) and vomiting (57.9%) with a good response to symptomatic treatment. Complications were seen in 7 patients (18.4%): digestive intolerance in 4 patients, with early removal in 3 of them; moderate esophagitis in 2 patients; and gastric perforation complicated with septic shock and death in 1 patient. Conclusions: 1. IGB in association with low-calorie diet is an effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment for morbid obese patients. 2. Almost half of patients maintained their weight loss after one year from balloon removal.