Endoscopic volume adjustment of intragastric balloons for intolerance.
BACKGROUND
A new type of saline-filled, spherical-shaped balloon, which moves freely within the stomach, has been increasingly used as a tool to assist weight reduction. Balloon intolerance is an infrequent complication, characterized by continuous nausea and vomiting or abdominal pain, uncontrollable by medical therapy. This has usually been followed by puncture, deflation and extraction of the balloon.


RESULTS
We present 4 patients in whom intolerance was treated by endoscopic volume adjustment of the device. After partial defilling of the balloon, epigastric symptoms disappeared rapidly, while the patients respectively lost 5.2, 14.4, 5.9 and 15.8 kg of body weight at the end of the treatment. Practical recommendations are provided to ensure a successful endoscopic reintubation of the balloon's valve.


CONCLUSIONS
Early intolerance to an intragastric balloon can be successfully treated by endoscopic volume adjustment of the device.
De Waele
B
B
Department of Surgery, VUB University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. hlkdweb@az.vub.ac.be
Reynaert
H
H
Van Nieuwenhove
Y
Y
Urbain
D
D
D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D015905:Gastric Balloon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017211:Treatment Failure