Gastric Balloon

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon has been used in bariatric surgery since 1982 as an endoscopic, non-surgical procedure for weight reduction. The balloon is inserted into the stomach through an endoscope and filled from the outside during an outpatient procedure. Approximately 1% of bariatric surgery procedures are gastric balloon implantations.

How Does a Gastric Balloon Work?

The gastric balloon is inserted into the patient's stomach in an outpatient, non-surgical procedure. The balloon is filled with 400-700ml of sterile saline solution in the stomach. Thus, the balloon serves as a continuous "pre-filling" of the stomach for the patient, limiting food intake and leading to a faster feeling of satiety.

After about six months, the intragastric balloon should be removed because the stomach's acidic contents severely attack its material, and otherwise, the balloon might empty its contents. The saline solution filled in is not dangerous for the patient. To notice leakage of the balloon promptly, the filling solution is dyed blue. This color causes a change in the color of the patient's urine.

The procedure is conducted under sedation (half-sleep) endoscopically through the esophagus. The empty balloon is inserted into the stomach during this procedure and filled. Many patients suffer from nausea and vomiting, especially days after the procedure, which can be easily controlled with medication.

The intragastric balloon can be used alone or as a staged approach. For example, it is often implanted before surgical procedures to provoke an initial weight reduction.

When Is a Gastric Balloon Advisable?

This weight reduction method is particularly suitable for patients with a BMI of 25-40kg/m². Although the balloon remains in the stomach during the six months, a weight loss of 15-20kg is realistic. However, the patient must not live a contra-productive lifestyle by consuming high-calorie drinks or sweets.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gastric Balloon?

The significant advantage of this method is the non-invasive surgical procedure. There is no permanent change in the digestive tract when using the intragastric balloon, and the procedure has very few complications.

The disadvantage of the gastric balloon is the time limit of its use. As a result, the lost weight is quickly regained. Strict sports and diet plans must be followed to achieve permanent weight loss. Other stomach reduction surgeries such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding are more successful in the long term.

Currently, medical science is trying to develop new gastric balloons with new filling materials and modified sleeves to allow longer-term and more individualized use. Without further accompanying therapy, this therapy option usually leads to "yo-yo dieting." Therefore, professional dietary advice is strongly recommended. The patient must change their eating and exercise habits to maintain the weight loss even after the gastric balloon has been removed. The patient's motivation is absolutely crucial for success with this weight reduction method.

Risks and Side Effects of a Gastric Balloon

The implantation of a gastric balloon is a low-risk procedure. After the implantation, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can result. The discomfort is usually short-term and disappears after a few days. In rare cases, a gastric balloon can cause reflex cardiac arrhythmias that lead to death. If the gastric balloon bursts, it must be removed to avoid intestinal obstruction.

How Much Does a Gastric Balloon Implantation cost?

The patient must usually pay the costs for a gastric balloon. Depending on the doctor or clinic, these range from 2300 - 4000 euros and include the insertion and removal of the gastric balloon after six months. If complications arise from the procedure, the patient must also pay for the subsequent necessary treatment. Only in absolute individual cases can an application for cost absorption by the health insurance company be successful. The patient should discuss this with a specialist in bariatric surgery.

Sources:

Adipositaschirurgie Indikation, Operationsverfahren und Erfolgsaussichten; Thomas P. Hüttl

S3-Leitlinie Chirurgie der Adipositas, 2010