Endoscopy 2009; 41(7): 575-580
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214826
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Intragastric balloon for weight loss: results in 100 individuals followed for at least 2.5 years

S.  Negrin Dastis1 , E.  François2 , J.  Deviere2 , A.  Hittelet2 , A.  Ilah Mehdi2 , M.  Barea2 , J.  -M. Dumonceau1
  • 1Gastroenterology and Hepatology Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
  • 2Medical-Surgical department of gastroenterology, hepatopancreatology and Digestive oncology, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
Further Information

Publication History

submitted12 October 2008

accepted after revision26 March 2009

Publication Date:
08 July 2009 (online)

Background and study aims: To determine long-term outcome after treatment with an intragastric balloon for 6 months, with no structured weight maintenance program offered after balloon removal.

Patients and methods: 100 consecutive overweight/obese individuals (mean body mass index [BMI] 35.0 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were prospectively followed after endoscopic implantation of a saline-filled intragastric balloon; 97 completed final follow-up at a mean of 4.8 ± 1.6 years. Successful intragastric balloon therapy was defined as weight loss at 6 months of ≥ 10 % of weight at baseline, that remained ≥ 10 % until 2.5 years, without bariatric surgery. All analyses followed intention-to-treat principles.

Results: At 6 months, mean weight loss was 12.6 ± 8.3 kg, 63 individuals had ≥ 10 % baseline weight loss; no severe morbidity was detected. During the first and second years following intragastric balloon removal, mean body mass increased by 4.2 ± 6.8 and 2.3 ± 6.0 kg, respectively (P < 0.001 for both year-on-year comparisons). At 2.5 years, intragastric balloon therapy had been successful in 24 participants. At final follow-up (4.8 ± 1.6 years), 28 had ≥ 10 % baseline weight loss, 35 had undergone bariatric surgery (60 % had preoperative mass higher than baseline), and 3 were lost to follow-up; the 34 remaining had lost 1.5 ± 5.8 kg compared with baseline. During follow-up, 13 had a second intragastric balloon implanted and 13 took sibutramine for short periods.

Conclusion: Intragastric balloon therapy was relatively innocuous and associated with successful weight loss and maintenance at 2.5 years in a quarter of participants. It represents a valid option for weight loss.

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J.-M. DumonceauMD, PhD 

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Geneva University Hospitals

Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24
1205 Geneva
Switzerland

Fax: +41-22-3729366

Email: jmdumonceau@hotmail.com