INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON
The intragastric balloon has been used for the overweight and obesity treatment. It’s a simple procedure that may be performed in a clinical way. It presents the goal to occupy a part of the stomach and, thus, reduce the feeling of hungry and, therefore, promote the weight loss.
In average, the patients lose nearly 20% of their total weight, which allows the reduction of one or two decrees at the IMC. The treatment depends a lot of the patient’s awareness and collaboration, following the nutritional guidelines and the behavioral change. Without the patient’s help, the balloon’s utilization and the treatment’s response became compromised.
For the collaboration, it’ necessary to perform a high digestive endoscopy. It might be performed at the same date with an endovenous sedation. If any alteration that may counter-indicate its placement is found, it’ll be initialized the treatment of the problem and the balloon placement will be postponed.
The balloon may remain for a period of 06 months to 1 year, depending of the brand used and the patient’s tolerance. The initial stage, which has a duration of up to 7 days, is the most difficult period because signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nauseas and vomits are frequent, even with the use of specific medications. This is the adaptation stage, considered one of the most important during the entire treatment.
The following-up with the nutritionist and the realization of physical activities are indicated and the entire treatment must be kept after the balloon’s removal.
The balloon’s removal must be done by a trained endoscopist and with an anesthesiologist doctor to turn the treatment into something comfortable and safe.
Like as all invasive medical procedures, the balloon’s placement and removal aren’t exempted from risks. However, they’re small and minimized when the procedure is performed in a clinical environment, with a trained medical team.
The balloon might be inflated with air or liquid, depending on the brand. The most used in Brazil are the liquid ones, although the air balloon began to be recently commercialized. The liquid balloons might be inflated up to 700ml, but it seems to have little correlation between this volume and the loss of weight. It’s also available the adjustable liquid balloon, namely, the one that may be inflated and emptied, varying according to the presented symptoms and the patient’s evolution.
It’s considered an effective treatment with the intragastric balloon when the patient loses at least 10% of the total weight. For more information, talk with the endoscopist doctor.
