[The BIB intragastric balloon].
BACKGROUND
Since 1998, we adopted in our clinical practice for obesity treatment the new intragastric balloon (BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon, BIB), it has the characteristics of an "ideal gastric balloon" (Workshop Tarpon Springs, 1987).


METHODS
Since March 1998 we have placed by endoscopic approach 518 BIB in 480 patients affected by first, second and severe morbid obesity; 124 male and 356 female, mean age 41.6 years (18-72), mean weight Kg 116.9 (67-229), mean BMI 42 Kg/m2 (27.34-81.14). All our patients underwent to diet of 1000 Kcal/day and treatment with antisecretory drugs.


RESULTS
The mean weight lost was Kg 14.69 and the mean reduction in BMI was 5.11 Kg/m2. Weight loss was greater in male severe obese (BMI > 40). Weight was accompanied by an improvement of the disease associated with obesity, in particular diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnoea.


CONCLUSIONS
The best indication for BIB were: morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40) and super-obese patients (BMI > 50) in preparation for bariatric operation; obese patients with BMI 35-40 with co-morbilities in preparation for bariatric surgery; obese patients with BMI < 30 only in a multidisciplinary approach patients with BMI 30-35 with a chronic disease otherwise unresolved.
Micheletto
Giancarlo
G
Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Cattedra di Chirurgia Generale dell'Università degli Studi di Milano.
Perrini
Massimo Nicola
MN
Occhipinti
Vincenzo
V
Ruggiero
Boris
B
Fichera
Giuseppe
G
Di Prisco
Franco
F
Zappa
Marco Antonio
MA
Caccialanza
Riccardo
R
Doldi
Santo Bressani
SB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D015905:Gastric Balloon; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*