INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON

Origin

The intragastric balloon arises as a minimally invasive technique which produces an immediate gastric restriction without the patient needing a surgery. This procedure is based on the idea of having a solid content in the stomach. This will make you feel fuller faster and reduces your appetite.

Indications

• BMI < 35

• BMI > 50, as a pre-surgery step

• Patients not willing to undergo any surgery with general anesthesia

Weight loss and illnesses resolution

• Very limited medium term results

• You may lose between 10-20 Kg in 6 months, with a usual weight recovery after removing the balloon

• It is a good technique as an intermediate step for the surgery, or patients who do not have a surgical indication

Endoscopic technique

• The placement of the balloon is performed in the endoscopy unit. The patient will be sedated and the procedure lasts for approximately 15 minutes. No hospital admission is needed, and the patient may return home the same day.

• The balloon is inserted by endoscopy, through the mouth, and once it reaches the stomach it is filled with 400-700 ml physiological saline solution and methylene blue, according to the characteristics of each patient.

• It can remain in the stomach for 6 or 8 months. Afterwards it is removed with the same technique as it was placed.