Intragastric balloon and multidisciplinary team.
BACKGROUND
The intragastric balloon is widely used for weight reduction in obese patients, but results are variable. We describe our results enhancing the importance of a Multidisciplinary Team (MT) taking part in the treatment.


METHODS
A retrospective review was done concerning a total of 119 balloons , placed in 116 patients, under endoscopic control and conscious sedation, from May 2001 until August 2006. 49 patients were prepared and recommended to be followed by a MT in a physical unit, at least every 15 days during 6 months. 67 were indicated and followed by other colleagues, without MT. Removal was performed 6 months later.


RESULTS
Concerning our 49 patients, mean age was 38, 1 years, 31 female and 18 males, with BMI ranged between 32 and 63, average of 42. The average decrease of weight excess was 31, 85% (-4, 45-80, 4%), and the BMI diminished 5,3 points (from 13,6 to gain of 0,9). The treatment failed in 34,6 % of our patients -including 4 patients lost of follow-up (8, 16%)-, compared with 53, 8% of patients without structured MT for selection and follow-up. Physical exercise enhanced markedly the results with 45, 8% of excess of weight loss in women and 39, 7% in males, compared with 14, 6 and 15, 6% in patients who didn't follow the program. The weight loss was mostly fat mass, 89,9% in men and 75,6% in women.- The results maintenance was obtained in 40% of patients one year later. There were no major complications; one balloon had to be removed at 3 weeks because of intolerance, another at 5 months because of gastroesophageal reflux.


CONCLUSIONS
BIB is an effective help to achieve a short term weight loss in obese patients; nevertheless, good and long lasting results will depend on the modification of life style obtained by a multidisciplinary approach.
Mazure
R A
RA
Obesity Multidisciplinary Team, Santa Elena Clinic, Torremolinos.
Salgado
G
G
Villarreal
P
P
Cobo
B
B
Valencia
A
A
Culebras
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015905:Gastric Balloon; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D055815:Young Adult