title: [The BIB intragastric balloon].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Cattedra di Chirurgia Generale dell'Università degli Studi di Milano.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Micheletto
authors.forename: Massimo Nicola
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Perrini
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Occhipinti
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ruggiero
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fichera
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Prisco
authors.forename: Marco Antonio
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Zappa
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caccialanza
authors.forename: Santo Bressani
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Doldi
mesh_terms: 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*