Intragastric balloon (BIB): 5-years experience

Background: Since 1998, we have used the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB™) in association with restricted diet for the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity. Methods: 474 BIB were placed in 418 obese and morbidly obese patients; 103 patients were male and 315 female; mean age was 41.5 (18-71.6) years; mean weight was 116.9 (67-265) kg; mean BMI was 42.02 (25.10-81.13) kg/m2; mean excess weight was 49.1 (4.2-179.7) kg corresponding to mean 65.5 (6.8- 247.8) % of the ideal weight. 53 patients had two balloons, 3 patients underwent three balloon insertions. The patients were given a balanced diet of 1,000 kcal/day with the temporary addition of omeprazole, vitamins and oligoelements. The duration of the treatment at the beginning of our experience was four months, but later six months. Results: After balloon-therapy, the mean weight loss was 13.9 (2-57) kg; the mean reduction in BMI was 4.74 (0.3-10.98) kg/m2. In 45 patients (9.49%), we had to remove the BIB early for vomiting. There was a rate of 4% of spontaneous deflation and/or fecal expulsion. Conclusion: The BIB is a valid method as preparatory treatment of morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery in order to reduce operative risk; the results are comparable to those obtained with restricted diet only but in less time and with an acceptable risk of complications