Intragastric balloon for preoperative weight reduction in candidates for laparoscopic gastric bypass with massive obesity.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic bariatric operations can be technically challenging in massively obese patients. The potential of the intragastric balloon for preoperative weight reduction was evaluated in candidates for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) with super obesity.


METHODS
From January 2004 to March 2005, 10 patients with super obesity who were potential candidates for LRYGBP were included in a prospective observational study. An intragastric balloon was placed endoscopically under general anesthesia. Patients were then followed by a multidisciplinary team until removal of the balloon after 6 months. Weight, BMI, and percent excess weight lost (%EWL) were monitored after 1, 3 and 6 months.


RESULTS
The 10 patients were all female with mean +/- SD age of 33+/-11 years (range 17-51). Initial weight was 175+/-25 kg (range 135-223) and initial BMI was 64+/-7 kg/m2 (range 59-78). After completion of 1, 3 and 6 months, weight, BMI, and %EWL reached respectively: 166+/-27 kg*, 165+/-27 kg*, and 169+/-26 kg*; 61.1+/-7.6 kg/m2*, 60.8+/-8.4 kg/m2*, and 61+/-8.2 kg/m2*; 9+/-5%, 10+/-7%, 7+/-6%. (*=P<0.01 vs preop).


CONCLUSIONS
In potential candidates for LRYGBP with super obesity, preoperative placement of an intragastric balloon can reduce the excess weight by 10% within 3 months. Extending this period failed to improve these results further.
Department of General and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital, Lille, France.
Haitham
H
Alfalah
Bulois
B
Philippe
Fadi
F
Ghazal
Thomas
T
Jany
Laurent
L
Arnalsteen
Monique
M
Romon
François
F
Pattou
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015905:Gastric Balloon; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss