Background and study aim: Intragastric balloons are used as a treatment for obesity. Much of the data collected
on balloons has been in the context of clinical trials in academic medical centers
or as a bridge to bariatric surgery in obesity centers. The aim of this study was
to investigate the efficacy and safety of balloon treatment in private practice.
Patients and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 6-month weight loss data and balloon-related
complications of patients referred to three private centers for obesity treatment.
Results: A total of 815 patients (131 males) were referred for balloon treatment (mean age
36.5 years, mean body weight 111.7 kg, mean body mass index [BMI] 38.1 kg/m2). The 6-month weight loss data were available for 672 patients. Mean weight loss
was 20.9 kg (7.2 BMI units). A total of 372 patients visited the center only once
following balloon placement (i. e. for balloon removal), but these patients still
achieved a mean weight loss of 19.4 kg (6.6 BMI units). Successful weight loss (i. e.
≥ 10 %) was achieved in 85.0 %. Severe complications consisted of dehydration requiring
hospital admission (n = 2; 0.2 %), and intestinal obstruction caused by balloon deflation,
which required surgery (n = 2; 0.2 %). A total of 35 deflated balloons (4.3 %) were
passed rectally without any adverse events. Severe esophagitis following balloon placement
was diagnosed in 12 patients (1.5 %). A total of 53 patients (6.5 %) requested balloon
removal during the first month. Nine balloons (1.1 %) were removed for medical reasons.
Conclusion: In the private practice setting, intragastric balloons on their own, without an intensive
lifestyle program and supportive consultations, resulted in safe and substantial weight
losses, and may fill the therapeutic gap between pharmacotherapy and surgery.
