 |
|
Default size
Large text  The Intragastric Balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is placed into the stomach and filled with a sterile saline solution.
It is a non-surgical procedure performed by a Consultant Bariatric Surgeon. The procedure is usually performed under sedation and therefore does not require a general anaesthetic which can carry risks in overweight patients
How does the balloon work?
The balloon partially fills the stomach which should lead to a feeling of fullness. Therefore it helps to control portion size and with an appropriate diet and behavioural modifications leads to weight loss.
The procedure explained
The balloon is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. Your surgeon will initially look at the stomach through an endoscopic camera.
If no abnormalities are seen he will then proceed with the placement of the balloon. This is made of a soft and pliable elastomer material and is inserted while in a small, deflated form. The swallowing process is made easier with the help of anaesthetic spray applied topically to numb the throat area.
Once inside the stomach it is immediately filled with between 400-700ml of sterile solution through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. Once filled, the catheter is gently removed by pulling on the external end. The balloon has a self sealing valve.
When the balloon is full it is too large to pass into the bowel and will now float freely inside the stomach. Placement times vary but it will usually take between 20-30 mins.
Who is suitable for this procedure?
The balloon is designed to assist with weight loss in people who are at least 40% above their ideal weight and who have failed to obtain prolonged weight loss through other means. It is not designed to be a permanent treatment for obesity.
To have this procedure you must be over 18 years old.
Placement of a balloon may be particularly useful for people considered too overweight or at increased risk for surgery. The use of a balloon to reduce weight pre-surgery may help reduce the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients.
It is also important when considering the balloon procedure that you are willing to adhere to regular medical follow up visits as an out patient and the recommendations made by the specialist team.
How much weight will I lose with a balloon?
The weight loss that is achieved is variable and initially it can be quite rapid. Ultimately it depends on patient compliance with diet and behavioural changes in conjunction with the balloon.
What are the complications?
These include adverse reactions to sedation or local anaesthetic, abdominal discomfort related to distention with air and a sore throat following the procedure, aspiration of fluid into the lungs, respiratory or cardiac arrest (both of which are extremely rare) and injury or perforation to the upper digestive tract.
Injury to the oesophagus or stomach
As with other gastric procedures, there is a risk of injury to the lining of the digestive tract, whether by direct contact with the instruments used to place the balloon, by the balloon itself or as a result of increased acid production by the stomach. This could possibly lead to ulcer formation, pain, bleeding and perforation. Perforation is a serious complication which would normally require emergency surgery and is maybe fatal especially in obese patients.
Bacterial Growth
Should bacterial growth occur in the fluid that fills the balloon, release of contaminated fluid into the intestine when the balloon is punctured for removal may cause infection, fever, cramps and diarrhoea.
Intestinal obstruction by the balloon
If the balloon leaks and deflates it may pass through the intestine and be passed out of the body. However, it is possible for a deflated balloon to become lodged in the intestine and cause an obstruction, particularly in patients who have had previous abdominal surgery.
This is a serious complication possibly requiring surgical removal of the balloon. Any such operation in obese patients carries significant risk including death.
Please do not hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns you have with the team.
What are the contraindications for balloon insertion?
You may not be suitable for a balloon insertion if you have had any of the following:
-
Any inflammatory disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract including inflammation of the oesophagus (food pipe), ulceration of the stomach or duodenum, tumours or other inflammatory conditions.
-
Conditions that predispose you to bleeding e.g. varices
-
A large hiatus hernia
-
Strictures of the oesophagus or throat.
-
Any medical condition which increases the risks of an endoscopic procedure.
-
Psychiatric disorders
-
Previous gastric surgery.
-
Alcoholism or drug addiction
-
Patients receiving aspirin or other non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or those on long term anti-coagulation therapy.
-
Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding.
How long will the balloon stay in place?
The balloon can be used for 6 months. Longer periods of use are not recommended. Over time the acidic content of the stomach will weaken the balloon material and cause the balloon to deflate. Should it be felt necessary to use the balloon for longer than 6 months it will be necessary to replace it with a new balloon after 6 months.
While the balloon is in situ, you may need a course of oral medication to reduce your stomach acid. This may reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and damage to the balloon. After the initial 6 month period you and the team will come to a decision as to the next step. This may be a further balloon or progression to a surgical procedure which is a longer term aid to weight loss. Detailed information on possible surgical options will be provided and the options discussed with you.
What happens immediately after balloon insertion?
After the balloon has been placed in the stomach it is necessary to severely restrict oral fluid. You will return to the ward with intravenous fluids and gradually build up your intake of fluids. You will need to stay in hospital for 2-4 days, sometimes longer.
What happens if the balloon deflates spontaneously?
If the balloon deflates before a scheduled removal you may or may not be aware that it has occurred. A coloured dye is sometimes placed inside to help you identify early deflation by a change in the colour of your urine.
What side effects are there?
The first few days will be uncomfortable as the stomach gets used to the presence of the balloon. It is very likely that you will experience nausea and vomiting after placement. This can last for anything up to two weeks. Anti-sickness medication can be prescribed to help alleviate your symptoms.
What diet do I have to follow after placement?
Following balloon placement you will be given intravenous fluids until you are able to tolerate fluids orally. It is important to build up your intake of fluids and food gradually as the eventual aim is that you will be able to eat 3 smaller meals per day. You will be seen by a specialised dietitian who will give you further advice.
In order for the balloon to be a success it is important to avoid grazing on food throughout the day and consume food and drink separately. You will be prescribed a daily multivitamin supplement to prevent deficiencies from a reduced intake.
How will the balloon be removed?
The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed via the oesophagus and the mouth. Prior to removal you will be given sedation and a topical anaesthetic will be applied to numb the throat. Using an endoscopic camera the doctor will introduce a catheter through the mouth into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and deflated. Once deflated it can be grasped and removed.
|
How to find us